Trusted to deliver Britain’s green growth
Sofia Offshore Windfarm construction via Port of Tyne
Britain’s trust ports are crucial drivers of investment and the energy transition
The UK has long valued its ports as essential gateways for international trade. In recent years, the country’s ports have remained critical economic arteries but also become hubs for the nation's green growth.
Major trust ports such as Aberdeen, Dover, Harwich, London, Milford Haven and Tyne are key to the low-carbon energy transition. The trust port model developed in the 19th century offers the original ‘third way’ – statutory bodies operating commercially. Trust ports are financially self-sustaining with surpluses invested in the communities they serve – optimal for meeting today’s global challenges.
Trust ports include the UK's largest trading port, the busiest ferry port and some of the most significant energy ports, and each is investing in innovative solutions to produce clean energy, sustainable logistics and low-carbon supply chains.
However, for Britain’s ports to innovate and operate to their full potential, it’s crucial we review our regulations impacting commerce and trade, putting rapid decision-making front and centre while addressing skills development, infrastructure planning and connectivity.
This will ensure ports can maximise their potential as the UK’s engines of economic growth.
Key developments across major trust ports
Aberdeen: Port of Aberdeen invested £420m to transform its infrastructure. Following its South Harbour expansion, Aberdeen became Scotland’s largest berthage port, capable of handling vessels up to 300 meters in length.
While it continues to derive significant revenue from the oil and gas sector, Aberdeen is diversifying with a focus on offshore wind, decommissioning, cargo and cruise.
Planned projects, such as a £25m capital dredge and a £55m investment in achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, underline the port's commitment to driving sustainable economic growth and the energy transition.
Dover: The Port of Dover is spearheading the UK's transition to green shipping.
Handling £144bn in trade annually, Dover is a vital part of the UK economy, particularly in trade with the EU.
The port is transforming into a high-tech, low-carbon facility, having reduced its carbon footprint by 96 per cent since 2007.
Current projects include the creation of the UK's first high-volume Green Shipping Corridor through electrification of the Short Straits.
Harwich: As the UK's premier container terminal, Harwich is preparing for future trade demands through significant investment in marine infrastructure.
In July 2023, the port completed a £127m channel deepening and navigation project, increasing capacity and enabling it to handle the largest container vessels.
This investment supports 40 per cent of the UK's container traffic, enhancing the country’s ability to compete on the global stage.
Milford Haven: Milford Haven, the UK’s largest energy port, plays a crucial role in supporting the country’s oil and gas needs while transitioning towards a greener economy.
It is responsible for 21 per cent of the UK’s seaborne trade in oil and gas and supports over 5,000 jobs in Wales.
The port is becoming a hub for low-carbon solutions, such as floating offshore wind and hydrogen energy.
The £60m Pembroke Dock Marine project is central to this transformation, positioning the port as a leader in the energy evolution of South West Wales.
London: The Port of London Authority (PLA), the UK’s biggest port by volume of cargo and busiest inland waterway, is planning for 50 per cent growth in the next 25 years and is responsible for protecting and improving 95 miles of the tidal Thames.
As well as a £58m investment plan in resilience, through its Thames Vision 2050 the PLA is on target to be the UK’s leading net-zero port by 2040.
From the Maritime Hydrogen Highway to the Thames Green Scheme, the port is championing sector clean-energy solutions.
Tyne: The Port of Tyne is rapidly modernising to become the UK's first Smart Port and a Net Zero Operator.
With a £100m strategic refinancing arrangement, Tyne is investing in renewable energy and digital technologies.
The Tyne Renewable Quay has positioned the port as a critical launchpad for offshore wind projects, including Sofia and Dogger Bank, the world’s largest offshore wind farms.
Through initiatives like the Clean Tyne Shipping Corridor and AI-driven solutions, the port is at the forefront of maritime innovation.
The trust port model: a sustainable path forward
Unlike privately owned ports, trust ports have no shareholders.
This model enables trust ports to invest in community and environmental projects that may not deliver immediate returns but are critical for long-term prosperity and social value while being flexible to respond to market demands.
By reinvesting surpluses in innovation, trust ports are leading on strategic investments in offshore wind, hydrogen energy and decarbonised logistics – not only supporting the UK's green energy goals but also creating local jobs and stimulating economic regeneration.
Britain’s trust ports are more than just gateways for trade; they are vital to the country’s energy transition and are engines of sustainable growth. Enduring green energy ports, powering the green industrial revolution and reinventing themselves to support the UK’s priorities.
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