Brexit priorities for British ports

The British Ports Association’s chief executive, Richard Ballantyne, said: “As the UK moves towards beginning negotiations on the terms of Brexit, it is vital that trade facilitation is given the highest priority.”

Mr Ballantyne pointed out that probably the lead concern from the ports sector at this time is facilitation, with potential major challenges dealing with HGVs on Ro-Ro and ferry routes.

Currently freight on Ro-Ro routes, (which exclusively serves EU routes) is not subject to the customs declaration requirements.

Ports are by their nature are bottlenecks so any customs requirements or checks at the border could easily lead to costly delays for freight operators.

The good news is though that the Government has it in its power to design a customs strategy which does not make declarations a condition or entry at port gates or require high numbers of checks on European routes.

Mr Ballantyne said that beyond safeguarding trade, the Brexit agreement should consider safeguarding UK ports from extensive changes in terms of the regulatory framework under which ports operate.

Infrastructure investment and hinterland port connectivity should also be major considerations for the Government post-Brexit to ensure that the UK ports industry stays well placed to provide the vital international gateways for goods, passengers and economic growth.