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Better connections to English ports could help businesses thrive and boost the nation鈥檚 economy, a new study published today shows (Tuesday, 24 April 2018).

The study of England鈥檚 port connectivity, launched at the British Port Association annual member鈥檚 lunch, will help influence funding, policy and planning decisions by highlighting the importance of England鈥檚 harbours and their global trade links. It also shows how ports can flourish by improving connections to inland businesses

Improved road and rail links can provide more effective freight journeys between key economic areas and ports, boosting productivity, lowering costs and giving access to international markets.

Shipping Minister Nusrat Ghani said:

The nation鈥檚 ports are crucial to our success, contributing 拢5.4 billion to our economy.

Shipping is still one of the most efficient way of transporting goods from across the globe into our homes. But the journey doesn鈥檛 stop at a port. Good connections to distributors and manufacturers are also vital in ensuring that products reach our shelves without delay.

Better links won鈥檛 just boost imports, but will also support British companies that export products across the globe, helping them exploit new international trade opportunities.

As the report makes clear, extensive government investment is already improving port access, unlocking private sector investment and economic growth across the country with 拢235 million invested between 2014 and 2019 to improve rail links and 拢23 billion to provide better journeys on England鈥檚 roads.

Alec Don, chairman of British Ports Association, said:

I am delighted that the government has recognised the importance of port connectivity.

UK ports have over 拢1.7 billion of new private infrastructure investment in the pipeline and the industry relies on there being good connections onward from the port gate. 95% of UK trade moves by sea and so ensuring that our trading gateways are connected is critical to the ongoing health of our economy.

We hope the government will build on this good work, and future infrastructure and investment planning prioritises the free and efficient movement of freight.

The report also offers a series of recommendations for government and industry on how to raise the profile of shipping, encourage closer collaboration on freight, and improve information-sharing. This will deliver an ambitious vision for the long term future of port connectivity, linking in with the government鈥檚 long term strategy, Maritime 2050.

James Cooper, chairman of the UK Major Ports Group, said:

The port connectivity study is very welcome. UK Major Ports Group members invest more than half a billion pounds a year in UK ports and infrastructure but for the UK to maximise the value of this investment for the nation these ports need to be well connected to the rest of the economy.

As the UK nears Brexit, it鈥檚 vital that there is a focus on ensuring that we have the right infrastructure to enable trade. The study鈥檚 recognition of the need to take a joined up, multi modal approach to key trade enabling freight corridors anchored on major ports is particularly welcome.