Freight News, Sea

Freeport bids will be challenging say operators

[ November 16, 2020   //   Chris ]

Ports bidding for Freeport status will face a real challenge in submitting the detailed proposals that the Government is asking for, says the UK Major Ports Association as the process got under way on 16 November. Chief executive Tim Morris said that this was a particularly difficult for operators who are working hard to keep pandemic impacted supply chains moving while preparing to mitigate the impact of Brexit  border disruption. “Bidders need more time,” he said.

It was also a concern that a process was being for England with no clarity on when Governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be setting out their intentions.

The British Ports Association also shared UKMPG’s concerns over the lacl of plans for the devolved nations. It added that there are also further discussions to be had to ensure Freeports zones are geographically big enough and sufficiently flexible to enable regional growth ambitions.

The BPA is somewhat cautious of the potential economic displacement occurring in England too and that implementation of freeports do not disrupt the level playing field.

Tags: UK Major Ports Group; UKMPG