North UK ports form partnership

A new Northern Ports Association will unite the ports, signing the Northern Powerhouse agenda and aim to make importing and exporting much easier.

The ports included are; Liverpool, run by Peel Ports, ABP’s Hull, PD Ports’ Teesport and the Port of Tyne.

“Post-Brexit, the Northern Powerhouse agenda is more important than ever,” explained Ed Cox, director of IPPR North, which published a Northern Ports report recommending the creation of the association.

He continued: “Far from the powerhouse being a Whitehall-led scheme, northern businesses are leading the charge and creating much-needed jobs and prosperity.”

IPPR North’s report highlighted the domination of southern ports and the problems this creates in transporting imports and exports across the UK.

Currently 60% of freight destined for the north of England is delivered to southern ports, this leads to unnecessary motorway traffic, delays, pollution and inefficiency.

Mark Whitworth, chief executive of Peel Ports, said: “Liverpool and the other northern ports sit at the heart of some of the most dynamic national growth clusters.”

“That’s one of the reasons we’re investing £400m in Liverpool2 and more than £350m in other infrastructure projects. There is so much potential for the north to be a true global gateway covering both coasts, especially at a time when our future trading relationships are unclear.”

The association was launched in parliament on 13 September with the four ports signing a Memorandum of Understanding to uphold their commitment.

Geoff Lippitt, PD Ports’ business development director, concluded: “The launch of the Northern Ports Association is incredibly positive, it will unite us in developing a stronger more progressive and prosperous northern economy linked to international trade.”