The UK Department for Transport (DfT) set out proposed amendments to the existing national policy statement for ports (NPSP) on 4 June 2025.
These proposals, the DfT says, are designed to ‘streamline the planning process for ports in England’ and better support ports to ‘deliver important national infrastructure more quickly’.
Additionally, they are set to ‘expedite planning applications by more clearly outlining the existing needs for port facilities and how to design applications to meet the latest requirements to avoid process delays’.
Designated in January 2012, the NPSP outlines the government’s policy framework for the development of nationally significant infrastructure across different sectors. It applies to ports in England, as well as Milford Haven port in Wales, and their associated road and rail links.
The DfT says that the proposed changes to the NPSP seek to address ‘significant policy and economic changes that have led to structural amendments for port infrastructure since 2012’.
Parliamentary under-secretary of state at the DfT Mike Kane MP commented: “Ports are the lifeblood of the UK economy, keeping the country moving and trading, and are vital in unlocking prosperity and opportunity for our coastal communities.
“We are determined to deliver the projects that will make a real difference to local people, turbocharge economic growth and create jobs as part of our Plan for Change.”
Logistics Manager spoke to Mike Kane last year, at the naming ceremony of a new Maersk vessel, about the opportunities ports provide to support the future of sustainable ocean freight. Click here to read what Kane had to say at the time on the matter.
The British Ports Association (BPA) issued a statement in response to the proposals, welcoming the changes. Richard Ballantyne OBE, chief executive of the BPA: “The ports industry is optimistic about its long-term future, with significant growth expected in trade volumes and other sectors such as offshore wind.
“A refreshed ports policy statement is welcome recognition from government of the value of port development and expansion to the UK’s future prosperity.
“We hope it will speed up planning processes, delivering on shared industry and government economic growth ambitions.”
The proposals have been supported by a number of other organisations. Claudio Veritiero, CEO of Peel Ports Group, said: “Ports are the unsung heroes of the UK economy, and this is an extremely encouraging development.
“We have invested more than £1 billion in the last decade and intend to exceed that level of investment in the coming years.
“We want to be able to invest for the future, creating jobs and opportunities right across the country and anything that streamlines that process and allows us to create conditions for economic growth is to be welcomed.”
Professor Chris Shirling-Rooke MBE, CEO of Maritime UK, also voiced his support for the proposals: “We welcome this announcement, which will provide valuable support for our coastal communities.
“These regions represent a significant opportunity for economic growth and job creation, vital for strengthening our proud maritime nation.
“We appreciate the government’s continued commitment to the maritime sector and this announcement highlights just that.”
A consultation has been launched to determine if the proposed revised NPSP is fit for purpose. This consultation is set to close on 29 July 2025.
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