Lessons from a successful sector – UK Ports as an example

We are seeing a number of significant investments in new and existing ports around the UK.

Ownership of ports in the UK comprises a variety of private company, trust and municipal organisations, all operating on commercial principles, independently of government, and very largely without public subsidy. The private sector operates 15 of the largest 20 ports by tonnage and around two-thirds of the UK’s port traffic. Much of the tonnage handled is concentrated in a small number of ports, with the top 15 ports accounting for almost 80% of the UK’s total traffic. As travel and trade have changed over time, ships and their cargoes have developed in size, character and technology. This has necessitated the development of new very large port-side infrastructure and even deeper channels and waterways. We have witnessed both successful and unsuccessful planning applications and very determined (often overseas) clients have had to work against real time constraints.

The National Infrastructure Plan and the National Policy Statement released in 2012 marks a significant step forward for this sector. In addition to the traditional business of ports there is an imperative in many cases to adapt to and embrace opportunities such as commercial redevelopments and the interface with off-shore energy, both wind and tidal.

So why are ports considered successful? Is private ownership a contributing factor or not? Are the stakeholder relationships an input to the overall success in what are becoming thriving opportunities? The lessons learnt from this sector will offer a wide reach and insight to other business sectors.