Ports part of eco solution

Speaking at the BPA’s annual lunch and AGM, newly elected Martin Lawlor, chief executive at the offshore energy-focused Port of Blyth, said that as well as enabling trade in multiple maritime sectors, ports are the “foundation of the entire blue economy”.

He said that “whether it’s climate change or regenerating coastal towns, ports are a part of the solution not part of the problem”.

Certainty needed

Mr Lawlor welcomed the Government’s Maritime 2050 strategy and called on Ministers to deliver a regulatory and economic environment that offers certainty and is open to investment and innovation.

He also also praised initiatives such as the recent offshore sector wind deal which sets out bold targets that will drive further investment in a growing and competitive industry as well as in those that support it, such as ports.

Neil Glendinning, chief executive of Harwich Haven Authority, was elected as the association’s deputy chairman.

Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani MP attended the lunch and said she looked forward to working with Mr Lawlor and Mr Glendinning “to champion the important work of ports and to meet the environmental challenge to be as clean and green as possible”.