Committee pushes for ports policy update

The report aims to ensure that UK ports can meet growing trade, energy and regional economic demands over the coming decades.

“The ports sector was broadly supportive of the government’s draft revision of the NPS, the first since 2012,” said Transport Committee chair Ruth Cadbury MP.

“There was particular appreciation for its continued presumption in favour of development, and its market-led approach to investment in this sector.” She added that the Committee also encourages greater emphasis on modal shift and investment in shore power and grid capacity, highlighting the role of ports in decarbonising freight networks.

The Committee recommends designating ports as CNP, which would create a presumption in favour of developments receiving consent and help streamline planning processes. Witnesses argued that ports are essential for constructing green energy infrastructure such as offshore wind, which already holds CNP status.

“The UK’s ports are vital national assets, central to the resilience and prosperity of the nation,” said Cathy Hall, masterplanner at Associated British Ports.

“This inquiry helps embed the presumption in favour of port development that will keep ports fit for the future, able to respond to commercial imperatives, enable trade and unlock regional growth.”

READ MORE: UK ports urge faster planning reforms

Other recommendations focus on improving demand forecasts to include non-freight activities like passenger transport, cruises, offshore energy, decommissioning and shipbuilding. The report also calls for clearer guidance on what constitutes ‘good design’ in port development, prioritising functionality and safety over aesthetics.