In September, the UK Chamber of Shipping gave evidence to the Transport Committee on the revised National Policy Statement (NPS) for Ports. Director of External Affairs, Stef Kenyon, joined sector colleagues to discuss planning reform, infrastructure investment, and the maritime industry's transition to net zero.

The Committee published its report on 14 November, broadly welcoming the Government’s proposed changes, including the continued presumption in favour of port development and a market-led approach to investment. The Committee concurred with the Chamber’s position that these measures are essential to maintaining the UK’s competitiveness and supporting economic growth.

Commenting on the Report, Stef Kenyon, Director of External Affairs at the UK Chamber of Shipping, said:

We welcome the Transport Select Committee’s report on the revised National Policy Statement for Ports. The Committee’s recognition of ports as critical enablers of trade, energy and economic growth is vital. 

We are particularly pleased to see recommendations that strengthen decarbonisation measures and support for modal shift—ensuring better integration of ports with rail and other sustainable freight modes. 

These steps will help reduce congestion, cut emissions and create a more resilient supply chain. Combined with clearer planning frameworks and investment in green infrastructure, this will position the UK as a competitive and sustainable maritime hub.

The report makes several important recommendations that align with the UK Chamber of Shipping’s priorities. The Committee concluded that the current draft does not go far enough to support modal shift and highlights agreement with our evidence that the emphasis is insufficient and lacks detail on how planning authorities and infrastructure bodies would be supported or incentivised to prioritise investments that improve freight flow to and from ports.

They also support our positions on granting ports Critical National Priority status, strengthening provisions for decarbonisation, and improving integration with wider transport networks. The Committee called for clearer guidance on how ports interface with other freight modes—particularly rail—to reduce congestion, cut emissions, and build a more resilient supply chain. It also urges the Government to support the provision of shore power and electric vessel charging infrastructure, recognising the critical role ports play in achieving net zero.

The Chamber will continue to engage with Government to ensure these recommendations are reflected in the final NPSP and that the policy framework supports the long-term growth and sustainability of the UK maritime sector.