Sustainable Port Development and Transport Networks

It is widely recognised by the ports industry, government and conservation bodies that ports need to develop and expand to accommodate changes in shipping practices and the growth of certain trades.  However, concern exists over the potential environmental impact that port development could cause.  We are working hard to find ways of making sure that port development minimises the impact on the environment and we are examining ways in which development could even enhance it.  Much of our coastline is dynamic and conservation assets need to be managed in a way that recognises this.  Increasingly, conservation bodies accept this view, and we are working closely with organisations such as EN and the RSPB to find ways of ensuring environmentally acceptable port growth.

There is a growing belief that we must use science to help us better understand the way coastlines are evolving and apply this information to port design and construction.  This is the basis of the approach we are using on the Humber with our proposals to build additional riverside berths.

We are also aware that maritime transport can make a useful contribution towards the drive to use more environmentally-friendly modes of transport.  Road-traffic congestion is a major environmental problem which contributes significantly towards CO₂ emissions and climate change.  Sixteen of our ports are rail connected, and we handle some 20 million tonnes of traffic by rail each year.  We are committed to promoting the use of rail transport where this is commercially viable. 

The location of our ports means that we are able to support many other environmentally sound schemes, oftern supported by freight Facilities Grants (FFGs). Our success in this area is highlighted by over £5 million of grants received to support 12 projects at our ports since 1997. During 2003, the group received a total of £1.9 million in FFGs to support rail development projects at Hams Hall Railfreight Terminal and the Port of Goole. We have also invested £3.5 million in major capital infrastructure at the Port of Newport. The works include the refurbishment of a rail link to bring materials to the port. The rail line will remove nearly 53,000 lorry movements from surrounding roads and the region or the equivalent of almost seven million road miles over a period of 10 years.

To see the legislation that governs our management of sustainable transport networks and port developments and how we have translated this into environment policy objectives, refer to the Sustainable Transport Networks and Port Developments page in the Legislation section.