Ports strategy 'makes investment easier'

Date: 11/11/2009

The new UK ports National Policy Statement (NPS) is entering a period of review which effectively fast-tracks new ports in the country.

Need for increased capacity in ports up to 2030 and beyond is stressed in the NPS, which would build a number of new facilities capable of holding 500,000 TEU (container units).

Shipping minister Paul Clark said the UK ports are crucial to everyday life in the country, with 54,000 employees, and should be planned correctly for the good of the nation.

"This new document will make it easier for those wishing to invest in ports development to submit planning applications, as well as providing an important framework for the IPC to use when considering them," said Mr Clark.

Decisions on locations and port design will be made by the Infrastructure Planning Commission.