UK’s Reports Downplay Brexit Challenges for Ports Sector
Sectoral analyses compiled by the UK Government, and published on December 21, understate the challenges of Brexit for the ports sector, British Ports Association informed.
“We are disappointed that the clear messages we have provided to all tiers of Government on the challenges of leaving the EU for ports and the wider economy have not been reflected in these reports,” Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, said.
“The Maritime and Ports Sector Report vastly understates the operational impact of leaving the Customs Union on the sector. The UK Government should urgently reconsider the impacts on the ports industry, particularly the roll-on/roll-off ferry ports, which facilitate a significant levels of UK trade with Europe,” Ballantyne added.
The impacts of leaving the Customs Union and Single Market could be substantial. The prospect of customs and bureaucratic environmental health checks at the border could potentially create congestion and delays, particularly for HGVs at roll-on roll-off ferry ports.
British Ports Association believes that this could add costs for traders, manufacturers and consumers.
“It will be important that when Phase 2 of the Brexit negotiations begin that trade agreements to limit these non-tariff barrier impacts are sought,” BPA concluded.
