British Ports Association

The British Ports Association (BPA) is the national association for ports and harbours, representing over 400 port facilities and terminals across the UK. Collectively these members handle over 86% of the UK’s seaborne trade as well as providing vital gateways for energy, tourism, marine leisure and fishing. 

The BPA promotes the sector and represents the interests of its members to the UK and devolved Governments, as well as to other national and international bodies. 

BPA membership is an indication of responsible and dynamic port management. It demonstrates the proper consideration and prioritisation of a variety duties, including issues concerning regulatory, legal, good governance and environmental compliance as well as employee professional development. Ports outside the BPA often do not always value these issues and principles.

The BPA created its partner association, Port Skills and Safety Ltd (PSS), to lead on port skills (training and qualifications) and safety issues, covering operations, best practice and guidance. We remain a joint owner of PSS and help to set its strategy, objectives and governance.

The BPA’s aims are to:

• Dedicate resources to representing a wide variety of UK port interests to government in the UK, Europe and internationally;
  
• Provide a resource for its members on legislative and policy issues, as well as a forum for the exchange of knowledge and development of best practice;
  
• Work towards achieving an equitable and transparent ports industry and a level playing field throughout Europe;
• Promote the use of ports and shipping as an environmentally sustainable mode of transport.