Public consultation open on revised national policy for ports until 29 July 2025
The UK government has unveiled new plans to boost the expansion of maritime ports as part of its broader Plan for Change, aiming to stimulate economic growth and create jobs across the country.
Under the proposed changes, new guidance will simplify the planning process for port expansion in England. This will help ports save time and reduce costs on applications, opening the door for new job opportunities and increased investment in coastal areas.
These updates are designed to ensure the long-term success of the UK’s maritime sector. By encouraging private investment and supporting the development of green technologies, the proposals also support the UK's clean energy goals.
Announced on 4 June 2025, the draft revised National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP) outlines a clearer and faster process for securing planning approval for port developments. It includes specific guidance on meeting environmental responsibilities—such as noise and emissions standards—making it easier for projects to gain approval while cutting down on costly delays.
By streamlining these procedures, the government hopes to give ports the confidence to invest in expansion projects, generating skilled jobs and bringing economic benefits back to coastal communities.
These reforms align with the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill and will enable ports to deliver commercial projects more rapidly, unlocking millions in investment and boosting employment across the UK.
Recent developments highlight this momentum. In May, £35 million was committed to building a new deep-water terminal at the Port of Liverpool, while nearly £1 billion is being invested in modern infrastructure at the Port of Tyne.
The revised policy will also guide planning decisions based on national priorities like economic growth and clean energy leadership. It has been released alongside updated freight forecasts that project a significant increase in cargo handled by UK ports—particularly roll-on/roll-off freight (such as vehicles and trailers), containers, and bulk materials.
These forecasts reinforce the need for well-equipped, future-ready ports to handle rising trade volumes and meet the country’s evolving transport needs.
The government is inviting industry stakeholders and the public to contribute feedback on the proposed changes through a formal consultation open until 29 July 2025.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with the maritime sector to secure a prosperous future for both the industry and UK communities.
Maritime Minister, Mike Kane, said:
“Ports are the lifeblood of the UK economy, keeping the country moving and trading, and are vital in unlocking prosperity and opportunity for our coastal communities.
We are determined to deliver the projects that will make a real difference to local people, turbocharge economic growth and create jobs as part of our Plan for Change”.
Richard Ballantyne OBE, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, said:
“The ports industry is optimistic about its long-term future, with significant growth expected in trade volumes and other sectors such as offshore wind. A refreshed ports policy statement is welcome recognition from government of the value of port development and expansion to the UK’s future prosperity. We hope it will speed up planning processes, delivering on shared industry and government economic growth ambitions”.
Geraint Evans, Chief Executive of UK Major Ports Group, said:
“Ports are central to delivering the government’s ambitions on economic growth and clean energy and the draft national policy statement rightly recognises the vital role our sector plays across the UK – alongside the need to unlock its full potential by speeding up consents for sustainable port development.
With the right policy frameworks, major ports can double the levels of private investment – going further and faster – opportunity for coastal communities nationwide”.
Matt Beeton, Chief Executive of the Port of Tyne, said:
“Growth at our ports is vital to the UK economy. The government’s modernisation agenda will reset the maritime sector, attract significant investment, ensure our ports are fit for the future and boost generational employment opportunities”.
Claudio Veritiero, CEO of Peel Ports Group, said:
“Ports are the unsung heroes of the UK economy, and this is an extremely encouraging development. We have invested more than £1 billion in the last decade and intend to exceed that level of investment in the coming years.
We want to be able to invest for the future, creating jobs and opportunities right across the country and anything that streamlines that process and allows us to create conditions for economic growth is to be welcomed”.
Professor Chris Shirling-Rooke MBE, Chief Executive of Maritime UK, said:
“We welcome this announcement, which will provide valuable support for our coastal communities. These regions represent a significant opportunity for economic growth and job creation, vital for strengthening our proud maritime nation. We appreciate the government’s continued commitment to the maritime sector and this announcement highlights just that”. Photo by Jim Bain, Wikimedia commons.
