British Ports Association Launches Sustainable Development Resolution

The British Ports Association has published a sustainable development resolution, which commits to supporting the dual aims of a strong and healthy environment and a thriving economy.

The BPA represents 350 ports, terminals and port facilities across the UK. UK Ports handle 95% of the UK’s international trade, keeping goods moving in an efficient manner that underpins the UK’s economy. The industry is also highly productive and employs over 101,000 people.

Ports are often hubs of regional economic activity and support a wide range of industries including energy, fishing, automative, aggregates, agriculture and of course the entire maritime sector.

Ports take their environmental responsibilities seriously. BPA Chairman Alec Don said: “The British Ports Association is committed to grasping the once in a generation opportunity that Brexit will provide to promote a sustainable development framework in the UK that preserves our incredible natural environment and habitats whilst giving ports greater certainty and the ability to grow sustainably.

“Careful management of our seas and waters is key to a sustainable future and ports will continue to play a part in delivering it. As guardians of our maritime gateways, ports and harbours will continue to provide safe, secure and sustainable operations, independent of Government and at no cost to the Exchequer.

“Ports build and maintain a significant amount of privately financed infrastructure within the principles of sustainable development. We are committed to working more closely with conservation bodies, Government, and our members to promote better stewardship of the marine environment”

Mark Simmonds, Policy Manager at the BPA who is leading the initiative said: “This Charter underlines the BPA’s commitment to sustainable development and working constructively with industry, Government and environmental groups.

“As part of this we are putting forward some policy proposals for improving the sustainable development framework in the UK. This builds on our input into the Government’s consultation on the UK’s future environmental principles. We are ready to work with other interested groups and Government to improve both the environment whilst at the same time giving responsible developers more certainty and clarity as they oversee significant and important infrastructure.

“We will now consult with our members, the wider maritime industry, Government, and environmental groups on this Charter and examine steps we can take to improve it over time.”