About

OUR INDUSTRY

The UK ports industry plays a fundamentally important role in the country’s economy. 95% of the UK’s international trade – imports and exports – is carried through UK ports which also handle 25 million international passenger journeys each year.

Ports are investing large sums – at no cost to the Exchequer – to expand facilities to cope with increasing demand, particularly in the offshore energy, container and Ro/Ro sectors.
Investment of this nature is crucial if the UK economy is to remain competitive internationally.

British Ports Association

Created in 1992, the British Ports Association represents the interests of its 100 full members, and numerous associate members, to the UK and devolved Governments, the EU and national and international bodies.

As our membership comprises 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 to represent its members’ interests.

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BPA's
GOALS

Dedicate resources to representing a wide variety of UK port interests to government in the UK, Europe and internationally

Provide a resource for its members on legislative and policy issues, as well as a forum for the exchange of knowledge and development of best practice

Work towards achieving an equitable and transparent ports industry and a level playing field throughout Europe

Promote the use of ports and shipping as an environmentally sustainable mode of transport

PORT OF LONDON AUTHORITY

The Port of London Authority (PLA) is the UK’s largest port, handling more than 50 million tonnes of cargo each year, employing more than 46,000 people and contributing over £4 billion to the economy annually. We are the custodians of the tidal Thames, Britain’s busiest inland waterway, handling over five million tonnes of goods and materials, and up to ten million passenger journeys.

As a Trust Port, the Port of London Authority has no shareholders and operates for the benefit of customers and stakeholders, now and in the future. Our operations cover 95 miles of the River Thames, from Teddington to the North Sea. Our work is focused on sustaining and improving the Thames as a trading hub, destination and natural haven, as captured in Thames Vision 2050.

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CONFERENCE QUESTIONS

British Port Association’s Annual Conference is taking place in London on 17-19 October 2023.

The Conference is taking place Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge, a short 10-minute walk to Tower Bridge and Tower of London.

There is a full and varied two-day programme of panel discussions, keynote speakers and expert presentations, involving colleagues and industry professionals from around the UK. Whilst conveying important messages, sharing experiences, and tackling some of the challenges faced within the port industry today, there will be ample opportunity to network with other port and associate members.

Network with industry colleagues away from the meeting room. Starting with Tuesday’s Welcome Reception on the Thames, a Party in the Sky on Wednesday, and finishing with a celebration of colleagues’ achievements, at the Gala Dinner on Thursday.
Before heading home, attendees are encouraged to take a port tour on Friday, to view Tilbury and London Gateway.

We are extremely grateful to the Port of London Authority, who are hosting the event this year, and look forward to coming together again with our port members and associates for what will be a great collaboration.

The BPA Conference is attended by senior executives from across the UK’s ports industry. Also in attendance are many of our wider membership of maritime businesses and officials from government departments and regulators. International maritime representatives are also expected to attend to speak and network with guests.

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