The context for discussion:
- COVID-19 - significant challenges and pressures affecting ports throughout the
UK, with disrupting port operations and efficiency
- UK transition - ongoing trade and access talks, and contingency planning in the
run-up to the end-of-year deadline
- Government accelerates border planning for the end of the Transition Period - including £84m to support the growth of the customs intermediary
sector
- Freeports consultation: boosting trade, jobs and investment across the UK - on creating up to 10 freeports in locations across the UK
- the National Infrastructure Strategy - expected to outline the Government’s long-term priorities, and due
to be published this Autumn unaffected by the cancellation of the Autumn Budget
- 5-year plan promoting the UK’s world class global maritime offer - from the DIT outlining key areas such as port digitisation, use of
autonomous technology, and the greening of port operations, and their role in
improving the strength and competitiveness of UK ports
Key areas for discussion:
- COVID-19:
- what can be learned - taken forward the experience from how the sector has
adapted to COVID-19
- safeguarding port operations in the context of the pandemic and in case of
further lockdowns - financial support mechanisms and how they are accessed,
arrangements for facilities to remain open and safe for cargo and port users,
and latest
thinking on utilising facilities efficiently to protect supply chain operations
- transition preparation:
- what will be required from policy in order to minimise further challenges -
protecting the financial sustainability of key supply chains, and the flow of
travel
and trade, and to communicate clear rules for stakeholders as relations change
with the EU
- assessing readiness - the impact of the intensification of recent preparations
for the upcoming end of the transition period including the support for the
customs intermediary sector and customs requirements for imported and exported
items,
the declaration of goods, and increased physical checks
- minimising disruption to trade - boosting capacity for increased checks and
traffic, designing standardised administrative procedures and documentation,
and
opportunities presented by digital technology for streamlining the flow of goods
- EU exit scenarios - preparing for a range of outcomes and unforeseen impacts,
how best to adjust to new tariff regimes, priorities for providing policy
advice
to different sectors, developing workforce skills for goods checking and other
processes, and assessing the scope of further support measures for businesses
and
the ports sector
- developing port infrastructure in the UK - priorities for supporting economic
growth:
- major port readiness - scaling up terminal capacity for international trade
including new sectors and export markets, and developing partnerships with
industry
to develop new services
- smart ports:
- developing a pathway for modernisation and addressing challenges
- digitising logistics and technical operations, and automating stacking and crane
functions
- accessing funding for innovation and strategies for ensuring the developments
contribute to increasing efficiency and reducing operational costs
- connectivity - priorities for positioning and integrating ports within the wider
transport infrastructure network
- economic impact - maximising the role of ports in relation to their local
businesses and communities, and their economies and employment markets
- decarbonisation:
- innovation and next steps for reducing operational emissions, including
integrating more advanced emissions analysis measures on site
- supporting the growth of low carbon shipping and working with energy-intensive
sectors, including supporting the development of alternative fuel markets
- collaboration with local government and other stakeholders such as higher
education on integrated local net-zero strategies
- freeports - the potential opportunities for economic growth, as well as
implications on customs regimes, with the Government planning up to 10 new
freeports
across the UK
- maximising the economic impact of freeports - priorities for setting rules on
duty-free imports, assembly, and re-export as we all as communicating new and
flexible taxation rates to businesses, and ensuring freeports offer competitive
and
attractive destinations for business location
- establishing a system that fosters and drives innovation - providing dynamic
regulation for innovators, enabling new business models and industries to
operate
in growth hubs, and latest thinking on growing productivity through the
development of start-ups and new technology