UK government urged to act now to protect port assets

Speaking at a Global Institute of Logistics event this week, PD Ports’ chief executive David Robinson said that while UK ports compete for the same business as their continental rivals, they cannot compete on marketing spend which puts them at a disadvantage.

“This is an issue because when go to the UK government and development agencies and ask for money we instantly get the ‘state aid’ answer,” said Mr Robinson. “We need to be leaner, meaner, and sharper.”

Citing a lack of long term vision in the UK, Mr Robinson warned that the risk was that ports such as Rotterdam and Antwerp will develop more quickly.

Looking at the finance angle, James Cooper, infracapital director, Prundential M&G added: “I can’t think of anything the UK government has done to support the ports industry in the past three years. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find the structures that give us the confidence to invest for the next 25 years.”

Concerns were also raised on the lack of leadership in port education in the UK, a problem being compounded by a shortage of apprenticeships, which are easier to come by in mainland Europe.

(Source: Port Strategy)