British Port Association lunch bunch

Held at the Drapers Hall in London, the British Port Association’s 30th Annual Lunch was an opportunity for some of our team to hear from UK Maritime Minister, Baroness Vere and the newly appointed BPA Chair Mike Sellers.

Chief Executive Officer, Elsabe White attended along with our Chairman, Paul Monk, and Harbour Master Carl Bower. They joined more than 300 guests from across the sector.

The message from newly elected BPA Chair Mike Sellers, the Port Director at Portsmouth International Port, is that the UK ports industry is buoyant and he’s confident of future growth, but this success is no accident and depends on a stable and market-orientated ports policy.

In his speech to members and guests, Mr Sellers also said that it is often industry that delivers on Government priorities and ambitions, from the energy transition and net zero to bringing prosperity to coastal communities. He said that the need for greater collaboration is well recognised and the BPA is the industry’s primary forum for delivering that, highlighting new initiatives around decarbonisation and port security.

Maritime Minister Baroness Vere also spoke at the lunch, highlighting her ambition to support the industry’s competitiveness. Baroness Vere praised the industry’s work and resilience and encouraged ports to raise specific issues and solutions with her and officials.