BPA Conference 2023

Day 1 of the British Ports Association 2023 Conference

The day started with a warm welcome to London. Mike Sellers, Chair of the British Ports Association, and Robin Mortimer, Chief Executive of the PLA, shared perspectives on the opportunities within the UK ports sector. Their insights set the tone for thought-provoking panels to follow.

It was an honour to have Baroness Vere, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Aviation, Maritime and Security), as a keynote speaker. With an impressive track record in government and a commitment to the maritime sector, her contributions were enlightening.

Our first panel explored the state of the UK's ports industry, with a focus on its significant economic impact. Key figures such as Doug Bannister, Port of Dover; Peter Sand, Xeneta; and Graeme Leach, Macronomics, shared insights on growth, Brexit and the sector's evolving landscape.

The Ports Policy Update session, chaired by Steven Clapperton, PLA Director of Marine Operations, featured discussions with experts including Virginia McVea, Maritime and Coastguard Agency; Gus Wiseman, Department for Business and Trade; Nick Gosling, Transport Scotland; Chris Shirling-Rooke, Maritime UK; and Mike Alcock, Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom. They shed light on policy developments shaping the industry's future.

The People in Ports Showcase, hosted by Nicola Good, Lloyd's Register, highlighted the opportunities and challenges in growing the UK's maritime workforce. Panellists Charmain Browning, DP World; Angela Ward, Port Skills and Safety; Alexandra Lawson, Royal Museums Greenwich; and Nikki Sayer (Cobb) FICS, CASPER CUSTOMS discussed talent attraction, diversity, and mental health within the industry.

Towards Sustainable Port Development, moderated by Grace Rawnsley, PLA Director of Sustainability, featured insights from Dr. Matthew Frost, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML); Vicki Beatty, Port of Dover; Jennifer Godwin, The Seabed User & Developer Group (SUDG); and Jon Lane, RightShip. They explored the industry's journey toward sustainability and the need for coordinated efforts in the face of environmental challenges.

The day also featured an array of companies showcasing cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, logistical solutions and professional services that can bolster efficiency in the industry.

BPA Conference 2023

A tour of the River Thames aboard Uber Boat by Thames Clippers' Earth Clipper marked the end of BPA 2023. Attendees were briefed on infrastructure projects supporting Thames Vision 2050, our strategy for creating the UK’s leading port, central to the nation’s economy, with Net Zero emissions.

Right at the start of the conference, Baroness Charlotte Vere encouraged us to develop our ports, creating thriving local communities, enriching our nations and ushering in a new golden age for our sector. She challenged us to play a key role in levelling up since ports are a natural hub for growth. She reinforced the need for engagement with government on national ports policy and regulation.

Over the three days delegates heard from colleagues, who underlined the "commonality of interest", as John Gummer, Rt Hon The Lord Deben called it. Up and down the UK, the maritime industry is encountering the same set of challenges: sustainability, decarbonisation, the energy transition, financing development, government understanding of the unique and crucial role our industry plays in the economic life of our nation.

Connecting with a new generation of maritime professionals through effective story-telling and upskilling our industry's workforce means we will have to harness the power of technological change. At the same time, we will need to help spur innovation in new fuels through facilitation of investment and incentive schemes. As Lord Deben said, we need ensure that there are opportunities for shipping to pollute less.

We heard from colleagues representing small and large ports who are striving to adapt to climate change and grasp opportunities arising from the transition. Speakers repeatedly emphasised the need for collaboration among ports, government and business. As Lord Deben reminded the delegates during his keynote -- it's not just your port, it's the ports in your nation, that have to work together for the changes that are required.

Crucially, all of the panels, the sidebars, the conversations among sponsors, exhibitors, delegates, all of the presentations outlined that we as an industry have the ability, the knowledge and most importantly the willingness to lead the UK to a brighter future.