Events

The future of UK ports post-Brexit - infrastructure, opportunities and policy

This conference will discuss the future for UK ports, examining key issues affecting the sector - and their customers, suppliers and local communities and the role that ports can play in supporting the UK’s energy infrastructure, including for importing and exporting energy, and for improving access to local offshore renewable resources. There will be a speaking contribution from Florian de Chaisemartin, Director, Infrastructure & Renewable Energy, Aviva Investors.

The conference takes place against the backdrop of the UK leaving the European Union, and follows the publication of the Government’s customs proposal and its maritime export plan for post-Brexit Britain.

In the context of the Public Accounts Committee’s report, which warns that a failure to secure a new customs system by 2019 could cause significant disruption for UK ports and businesses, delegates will discuss the potential skills, regulatory, market and customs challenges, as well as opportunities for the UK to develop new trading agreements and attract investment.

They will also consider the likely impact on the fisheries industry, options for supporting marine-based local economies, and additional avenues for growth - including expanding non-EU business and developments in off-shore energy.

Further sessions focus on steps that might be taken in order to address wider issues affecting UK port infrastructure - including skills gaps and the regeneration of port communities.

Overall, areas for discussion include:
• Priorities for UK ports policy post-Brexit;
• Key regulatory issues for ports and customs borders;
• UK ports and Brexit - securing shipping, fisheries and industry investment;
• Improving UK port infrastructure and connectivity, and supporting local economies;
• Opportunities for British ports - growth, regeneration and diversification; and
• Next steps for UK ports policy.

To download the draft agenda, click here

To register for this conference, click here