THE British International Freight Association (BIFA) has given the thumbs up to the National Policy Statement for Ports (NPS) that delivers a framework for port infrastructure development in England and Wales over the next few decades.

    "Those who drafted this national policy are to be broadly congratulated for providing a framework within which ports in England and Wales can successfully develop," said BIFA director general Peter Quantrill.

    "With over 90 per cent of trade by tonnage passing through seaports, the importance of a clear planning framework for their future sustainable development can hardly be overstated.

    "The NPS acknowledges two key factors for port development. Firstly, for an island economy, there are limited alternatives available to the use of sea transport for the movement of freight. Secondly, UK ports compete with each other as well as neighbours in continental Europe as primary destinations for deep sea shipping, as stops for coastal shipping activity and as bases for terminals and associated infrastructure.

    "Crucially, the government acknowledges that all ports in England and Wales operate on commercial lines, without public subsidy and with investment from private sector investors.

    He said the new policy "allows judgments to be made about where and when new developments might be proposed on the basis of commercial factors by the port industry or port developers operating within a free market environment."

    The statement added that the seven major gateway port development projects given the green light since 2005, will add 12.5 million TEU in capacity, "meaning aggregate container capacity development would be broadly in line with the pre-recession forecast for demand over the next two decades", BIFA said.

(Source:Shippinggazette)