The British International Freight Association has given its backing to the National Policy Statement for Ports, which it says delivers a solid framework for port infrastructure development in England and Wales over the next few decades.
But BIFA is keen to stress that non-business factors should not hinder port development.
Peter Quantrill, BIFA director general said: “It is of the utmost importance that deep sea shipping lines continue to call direct at UK ports and not be attracted away by state-funded rival ports on the near-Continent. The NPS could be a roadmap of how that ambition will be achieved.”