Peel Ports joins retail consortium

The UK’s second largest port operator has joined the BRC as an associate member and will use its membership to engage with beneficial cargo owners (BCOs).

“Our partnership with BRC will play a supporting role in facilitating our plans to work closely with BCOs and shipping lines, to help make ambitious but informed changes to the UK’s cargo flows,” said David Huck, chief operating officer at Peel Ports Group.

A survey by Peel Ports of more than 2,000 retail leaders showed that 77% of respondents prioritise cutting carbon emissions and nearly half (46%) value manufacturers’ close proximity.

Nearly four-fifths (79%) believe the better transportation of goods via sea into the UK is needed to reduce delays, congestion and emissions in the supply chain, while 71% agree working directly with supply chain partners would lessen delays.

“Currently, 90% of deep-sea containerised cargo comes into the southern UK ports of Felixstowe, London and Southampton, yet 60% of these goods are destined for the north,” continued Huck.

“This makes no sense to UK plc from either an efficiency or a sustainability perspective.

“We’re serious about our commitment to deliver more effective sea transport and shipping routes, which we believe offer vast improvements for the retail sector. We’re confident our northern ports hold the key to reducing costs, carbon and congestion – a triple win for the entire supply chain.”