The UK government is backing key port expansion efforts to drive job growth and economic gains, supported by strong long-term trade forecasts. New amendments to the National Policy Statement for Ports have been proposed to expedite planning approvals and reduce costs for port operators. These changes are aimed at enabling ports to proceed confidently with major infrastructure projects.
Several operators have already announced their expansion plans. DP World will invest GBP 1 billion to add two new berths at London Gateway, making it the UK’s largest container port. At Southampton, the port is investing GBP 60 million in four new cranes to handle ultra-large ships. Meanwhile, Peel Ports, the second-largest port operator in the UK plans to build a GBP 35 million cement terminal in Liverpool, a GBP 30 million ro-ro berth in Sheerness, and boost capacity at Heysham with a GBP 10 million upgrade.
The British Ports Association, which represents ports handling 86% of UK trade, welcomed the changes. It said that with growth in cargo, green fuels, and offshore energy, a faster planning process is essential.
The Department for Transport’s freight forecast indicates that, compared to 2023, port traffic is expected to increase by 1.2% to 425.8 million tonnes in 2035 and by 7.8% to 453.5 million tonnes in 2050. Growth will be led by a 56.7% increase in unitized freight and a 61.7% gain in dry bulk cargo. General cargo freight is also forecasted to rise, although at a slower rate of approximately 12%, partly due to the increased containerization of goods and the decline in forestry products.
Source: ShippingWatch
