The Chairman of the British Ports Association has urged for a return to stability and a relentless focus on creating a business environment that supports investment and skills. What is more, BPA believes that ports and shipping are very much part of the solution to UK decarbonisation challenges, but it raised concerns regarding the use of open-loop scrubbers in ports.
As BPA said, shipping is the most efficient way to move freight, and it is part of the solution to climate change, not part of the problem. For this reason, BPA analyzes ways to move freight by water, helping the UK meet its climate change targets, while also supporting coastal prosperity.
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Regarding scrubbers, Martin Lawlor, BPA Chairman and Chief Executive of the Port of Blyth, mentioned that the ports industry is becoming more and more worried about the potential for contamination building up in berths and navigation channels. For this reason, he called for robust evidence to clarify the situation. He specifically noted:
Ports take their environmental responsibilities seriously and with IMO targets ships will have some tough decisions. However we must have a grown up conversation about the implications of the use of open loop scrubbers in ports. There is a concern that such systems could lead to the build up of contaminated sediments which over time could cause a real issue for ports wishing to maintain and develop their operations
Moreover, he added that BPA wants the UK to return to stability, especially as a new leader is about to come, while Brexit is also forthcoming. For this reasons, UK must focus on making sure that the business environment allows businesses to invest and grow, and provides them with access to the skills they need.
In addition, Harry Theochari, Chairman of Maritime UK also addressed the meeting, highlighting research for the BPA. This research concluded that there is £1.7bn of port infrastructure investment in the pipeline and urged the Government to ensure it supports port connectivity and come up with a better planning system.
He also continued by saying that the industry must leverage the increased profile of the sector.
