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UKMPG

UK Ports: A vital role

By Simon Bird, Chairman, UKMPG

A
lthough this week is billed as “London Ports are at the forefront of innovation
International Shipping Weekand technology, not just investing in their own

(LISW15)”, it is really a showcase for operations, but also providing a route to more

the UK maritime industry as a whole – and sustainable growth, supporting the development
ports are a vital part of that story. The UK of other technology driven industries, like

ports sector supports 344,000 jobs and offshore renewable energy.
contributes billions to the economy everyTo meet the demands of the future,

year. Acting commercially and independently UK ports are also investing in people, to
of Government, ports have invested over £2 enhance skills and knowledge. Port safety has

billion in new infrastructure over the past ive improved dramatically in recent years, with
years alone – at no cost to the taxpayer – and the landside accident rate reducing by 50%

have helped create 50,000 new jobs. Each year, over the last decade.
UK ports handle over 500 million tonnes of To improve customer experience and to add

freight and over 60 million passengers, making value to the logistics chain, ports are increasingly

it the largest ports sector in the EU.diversifying their activity into logistics and
Ports are major international gateways for other value-added services, including aspects of

trade, connecting consumers, businesses and landward distribution.
exporters to the world. They are also signiicant By investing in technology, safety, training and

contributors to the economy at local, regional skills; by growing employment opportunities;
and national level. UK ports policy is based on and by putting the needs of customers at the

inancial and strategic independence and UK centre of their operations, UK ports are really
ports are not generally subject to any form of delivering prosperity.

systematic inancial support. This makes them All that adds up to a major success story –
particularly competitive and user-focused. and one we are keen to share with visitors to

Operations and new developments are funded LISW15. That is why the UK ports sector is

from port returns and private investment.backing LISW15! l

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