Our five minute roundup of key topics affecting UK ports sector this week
One small step for man, one giant leap for Katy Perry
It was announced today that American pop star, Katy Perry, is heading into space this spring. The Firework singer will be shooting across the sky on Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, which will be the first all-women flight since the Soviet Union's mission in 1963 (one for your next pub quiz). She will be joined by Jeff Bezos' fiancée, a CBS presenter, a former rocket scientist, a civil rights activist and a film producer, making for quite an eclectic bunch. I'm excited to see the footage of Katy Perry taking her fellow passengers on a cosmic journey as she belts out her hit E.T. on take-off.
But, as the saying goes, "strength lies in differences, not in similarities", a mantra Sir Kier Starmer might have quietly whispered to himself as he entered the White House this week. Whilst all seemed rather cordial, the interaction with reporters left no doubt that the US President hoped to take charge and use the opportunity to get his own messaging across. That said, he was rather taken aback when handed a letter from King Charles III, who popped the big question: "State visit round two?". Of course, Donald Trump accepted, calling His Majesty a "beautiful man".
Over at the BPA, we are looking forward to hosting our annual UK Parliamentary reception this coming Monday. Although we can't expect the same pomp and circumstance as a state visit, Shenaz has secured great canapés. We look forward to welcoming many of you there!
Rhona
British Ports Association
Seventh Carbon Budget Report for Shipping
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) - the independent public body which advises the government on emissions targets - has published its advice to the UK Government on the level of the Seventh Carbon Budget (2038 to 2042). The government usually accepts the targets although will sometimes take a different view on pathways to achieving them.
The Committee also says that emissions from domestic and international shipping were 11.2 MtCO2e in 2023, making it the 10th highest emitting sector in the UK. The CCC's recommendations are wide ranging and we have shared our thoughts with members of our Environment Group but at high level in terms of its shipping pathway, The CCC say that to meet its net zero pathway for domestic and international shipping emissions in the UK, significant investment and action will need to be taken, much of it in the near term. The CCC's pathway for shipping does not include shore power, due to the "complexity of modelling [it]" but recognises that it has a role in improving air quality and may speed-up overall GHG emissions reduction from shipping.
We are still digesting the details of this work but have some concerns about some of the analysis, particularly around the likely transitional pathways for shipping, the role of electrification and shoreside power, and the scale of the near term ambitions. We also have views on the policy measures suggested, which we have been engaging with government on for many years. We note with some concern, for example, that the CCC recommend international shipping be included in the UK ETS. Currently the government are proposing to include domestic shipping and emissions at berth only. Members can read our full summary in Circular 065.
Scottish Cruise Ship Levy Consultation
The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on a proposed Cruise Ship Levy. For context, the Scottish Parliament passed the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act in 2024, granting local authorities the power to introduce a levy on overnight accommodation. The Scottish Government is now exploring a similar levy for cruise ship passengers.
Throughout 2024, the BPA and many of its port members engaged with the Scottish Government at meetings and roundtable discussions on this issue. The industry remains largely aligned in its view that such a levy would negatively impact Scottish ports. At a first glance, the BPA has several key concerns with the proposals especially around the lack of purpose and likely impact on ports. The BPA is preparing a formal response to the consultation and encourages input from members
MMO Guidance on the Benefits of Advanced Mooring Systems
TheMarine Management Organisation have this week published guidance on the environmental benefits of advanced mooring systems (AMS) over traditional moorings, as well as basic background on the consenting and marine licensing process.
The guidance is short and highlights the minimal impacts that AMS can have in terms of seabed scouring. It includes some further background links which you or stakeholders might want to consider.
BPA Webinar UK Ports at Risk: Navigating extreme weather in a changing climate, by HR Wallingford
Join us for a webinar exploring the impact of Storms Dudley, Eunice, and Franklin on UK ports, the risks of future extreme weather, and how to build resilience in a changing climate, presented by HR Wallingford.
In recent years we have seen sequences of storms which have highlighted the vulnerability of the UK including our ports and harbours to extreme weather in a changing climate. Impacts have of course included port closures and disruptions; damage to infrastructure and vessels; disruption to supply chains; and cancellation of ferry and passenger services.
Some questions arise. Was this a freak occurrence? Are UK ports ready for the next time? HR Wallingford will present examples of recent studies that have looked at the likelihood of similar events happening again, how vulnerable UK ports are to this and what can be done to increase climate resilience.
This webinar is being held on Monday 19 May at 11:00 via Microsoft Teams, to register for this webinar please click the link below and the joining link will be sent to you closer to the time.
