The UK’s ports are vital gateways for trade and travel. Over 388 million tonnes of international freight and 177 million tonnes of domestic freight moved through UK ports in 1999. Thirty-two million international passengers use UK ports each year. Another 38 million use them for domestic journeys, including river crossings. Our national economy needs a thriving ports industry.

Port proposals

• Decision letters on harbour and container terminal proposals
• Inspectors’ reports on proposed port projects

Publications

2012
• National Policy Statement for ports: post-adoption statement

2011
• National Policy Statement for ports
• Secretary of State’s guidance note concerning procedure for sale of trust ports
• Note on the role of the Secretary of State in reaching decisions under Section 31 of the Harbours Act 1964
• The General Lighthouse Fund Reports and Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2010
• Report on the State of the Navigation of the River Mersey (2009) to the Secretary of State for Transport

2010
• Assessment of the Provision of Marine Aids to Navigation around the United Kingdom and Ireland

2009
• Explanatory memorandum to the merchant shipping (light dues) (amendment) regulations 2009
• Raven Trading Limited: The Impact of Light Dues Increases (PDF – 350 KB
• Port Marine Safety Code (PDF – 162 KB)
• Raven Trading Limited (PDF – 2048 KB)
• Guide to good practice on port marine operations (PDF – 1024 KB)
• Modernising Trust Ports: A Guide to Good Governance

2008
• Review of funding for the Commissioners of Irish Lights Evidence Report

2007
• Ports policy review

2005
• Port environmental information

2004
• General Lighthouse Fund Report and Accounts

2000
• Modern ports

Consultations

• Sale of Trust Ports in England and Wales – Consultation on revised criteria