Port Technology — 2025-07-15
Maritime and Ports
The UK government has published draft revisions to the National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP) in a bid to accelerate port infrastructure development and unlock investment across the maritime sector.
The updated planning framework is designed to streamline consenting processes for English ports, reduce delays, and provide clearer guidance on environmental, noise, and emissions standards.
The move is expected to help ports deliver key infrastructure projects faster—cutting project timelines and boosting investor confidence — at a time when UK port freight demand is forecast to grow, particularly for RoRo cargo, containers, and dry bulk commodities.
The reforms are part of the broader Planning and Infrastructure Bill and play a central role in the UK’s strategy to modernise its port infrastructure, attract private investment, and support national goals around clean energy and supply chain resilience.
Richard Ballantyne OBE, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, said: “A refreshed ports policy statement is welcome recognition from government of the value of port development and expansion to the UK’s future prosperity.”
The policy reforms align with ongoing port investments, including £35 million ($47 million) for a new deep-water terminal at the Port of Liverpool and nearly £1 billion ($1.4 million) in infrastructure upgrades at the Port of Tyne, two critical gateways in the UK’s maritime network.
Geraint Evans, Chief Executive of UK Major Ports Group, added: “Ports are central to delivering the government’s ambitions on economic growth and clean energy and the draft national policy statement rightly recognises the vital role our sector plays across the UK – alongside the need to unlock its full potential by speeding up consents for sustainable port development.”
The NPSP consultation is open to industry and public feedback until 29 July 2025.
If adopted, it is set to become a critical instrument in advancing the UK’s position as a global maritime leader, enabling port operators to expand capacity, improve sustainability, and better support growing trade volumes and renewables demand.
In May 2024, the UK government announced that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) would increase ecological safeguards at sea through new laws controlling ship antifouling systems.