Archive (30.08.06)
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE MOVES TOWARDS A DISTINCT PORTS POLICY
Mr Colin Parker, chairman of the British Ports Association's Scottish Ports Committee (and chief-executive of Aberdeen Harbour Board) has commented that: "the Scottish National Transport Strategy consultation and subsequent questionnaire on ports policy represent a clear break with the Department of Transport in London, and its transport policies."
Over the summer the Scottish Executive has carried out two consultations that have the potential to create a new, distinctly Scottish ports policy. It is increasingly clear that the Executive intends to develop its own policies to stimulate economic growth and deal with Scotland's specific transport issues.
The British Ports Association, which represents the interests of the overwhelming majority of ports in Scotland, has welcomed the Executive's new direction.
Mr Parker elaborated: "Scotland's ports are a vital national resource. They provide employment, they move goods and people in and out of the country, they encourage tourism and they provide life-line connections to scattered communities."
"Scottish ports face uniquely Scottish issues. I am pleased that the Executive has recognised this and is seeking to develop its own response to the challenges that face us. Ports will have an important role to play in attracting and supporting business in Scotland. To help us achieve this I hope we will see the Executive introduce policies to improve landside infrastructure links to and from ports which will help them realise their full potential, for the national good."
Note to Editors
Scotland's ports face uniquely Scottish issues. Fishing remains an important industry in Scotland whilst ports also provide life-line links to the Isles. Ports are, self-evidently, important nodes within Scottish transport infrastructure. In 2004 Scotland handled 111m tonnes of freight, approximately 20% of the UK total. This underlines the importance of ports to the Scottish economy.
For the Executive to make the most of this opportunity it must ensure that its new, distinctly Scottish policy accounts for the distinct nature and issues confronting Scotland's ports. The British Ports Association and its members hope to see a policy that:
- Acknowledges the pivotal role of ports and their importance to economic growth
- Reaches an understanding, in agreement with the industry and under continual review, on how the ports market is
developing, particularly in terms of growth opportunities
- Concentrates resources on achievable, pragmatic targets
- Demonstrates commitment to proper levels of investment in infrastructure
Such a policy would be good for ports and good for Scotland- a worthy outcome for a new, distinctly Scottish approach to transport policy.
Created in 1992, the British Ports Association exists to represent the interests of its 88 full members, and numerous associate members, to the United Kingdom and devolved Governments, the European Union and numerous national and international bodies. The BPA's membership includes the overwhelming majority of Scottish ports.
As our membership comprises of many ports, terminal operators and port facilities, all of varying size, location and nature, the Association is able to draw upon a wide range of experience and knowledge in order to fulfil its remit, and represent the port industry in a wide range of fields and on a large number of issues.
The BPA aims to:-
- dedicate its resources to representing a wide variety of UK port interests to government in the UK,
Europe and internationally;
- work towards achieving an equitable and transparent ports industry and creation of a level playing field
throughout Europe;
- promote the use of ports and shipping as an environmentally sustainable mode of transport;
- provide a resource for its members on legislative and policy issues, as well as providing a forum
for the exchange of knowledge and development of best practice amongst the membership.
The BPA is organised so as to be as flexible as possible in keeping pace with constant change in the industry. Major policy decisions are taken by a Council which is elected by the membership and which meets on a quarterly basis.
Linked to the Council are specialist Working Groups dealing either with specific interests, such as the Ferry Port or Fishing Port sectors, or dealing with those issues which affect all ports such as the Environment and European Policy. The Association also runs a Scottish Ports Committee which maintains strong links with to the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Assembly. The BPA is funded entirely by its members and is run from offices in central London.
David Bishop
Association Secretary
British Ports Association
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