Stef Kenyon, Director of External Affairs at the UK Chamber of Shipping, welcomed the NPS’s market-led approach and its recognition of the sector’s growth potential. However, she called for a more holistic and integrated strategy that reflects the full complexity of the maritime supply chain. This includes stronger alignment between land and marine planning systems, clearer regulatory frameworks to support investment and development and recognition of ports as Critical National Infrastructure, ensuring protection from adverse development and enabling strategic growth.

A major theme of the session was the urgent need to support the sector’s net zero transition. Witnesses highlighted the importance of:
•    Grid capacity and infrastructure investment, which remain major barriers
•    Shore power and alternative fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel and carbon capture
•    Government support and policy clarity to enable electrification and emissions reduction

Stef emphasised the need for a coherent national framework to accelerate decarbonisation, citing delays in electrification projects and the shortfall in shore power supply connections. She also raised concerns about the inaccuracies in the Department for Transport’s emissions model, which she argued could undermine effective planning and investment decisions for the ports sector.

Concerns were raised about the reliability of freight forecasts used in planning decisions. The Chamber and others urged that these projections be treated as indicative rather than definitive, warning that overreliance could misguide investment, especially in a post-Brexit and technologically evolving landscape.

Calls were also made to streamline planning processes, including reforms to Harbour Revision Orders and marine licensing, to reduce duplication and improve efficiency.

The session explored how ports can be better integrated into the wider transport and economic system, including;
•    Improved land use planning around ports to support future development
•    Modal shift incentives to enhance low-emission freight movement
•    Education for local authorities and planners on the strategic importance of ports

The Committee concluded with a commitment to continue the dialogue, announcing a follow-up session with the new Maritime Minister on 16th September. The evidence presented underscored broad industry support for the NPS, while also highlighting the need for greater ambition, integration, and clarity to futureproof the UK’s ports and shipping sector.

For more information on the session, please contact Stef