Without its all-important air, rail and sea links, global trade would cease to exist. This year Covid-19 has endangered economies across the world and it has been essential that the air, rail and sea links have been preserved to prevent complete economic catastrophe. Transport industry workers have had to be kept safe so that goods can keep reaching the end user. From a British point of view, there is also the issue of Brexit, which is going to impact the movement of goods across the country’s borders.
This article was first published in the October 2020 issue of Logistics Insight, subscribe to the magazine by
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The ports industry has welcomed the launch of UK government’s new Port Infrastructure Fund as part of the preparations for life outside the European Union. The scheme will enable ports in England, Scotland and Wales to bid funding for capital projects for infrastructure that will be used to accommodate new customs and border process in 2021. Although open to all types of ports it is expected that Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) operators will have the most interest in applying to use this scheme. This sector has the most to do to adapt to new requirements which will come into existence when the EU completes the Brexit transition period. Indeed, how new controls are placed on the 10,000 lorry and trailer movements a day between the UK and Europe is critical to avoid traffic disruption.
PD Ports has welcomed the Government’s announcement to invest £160million in ports and factories across the UK to manufacture the next generation of turbines, specifically pinpointing Teesside as one area that will benefit from investment in upgraded infrastructure.
The Rail Supply Group has published the Rail Sector Deal UK Exports Survey Report, setting out the key views of rail suppliers on the UK exports market. The survey reveals that: more than half, 55%, of respondents confirmed they are currently exporting, or planning to export, or considering exporting goods or services for the railway sector from the UK. Current priority markets for UK rail exporters are Australia, the United States and Germany, with Australia, the United States and India identified as the top priority markets where companies believe their goods or services have potential to be exported with assistance from the rail industry and Government. Respondents highlighted that their products or services being UK specific was the most common reason for not exporting.
As Logistics Insight went to press, Heathrow was due at the Supreme Court to appeal against a ruling which found the airport’s third runway plan was incompatible with the UK’s climate change commitments. The London hub was challenging February’s judgment by the Court of Appeal. The court ruled against the £14 billion third runway, stating that it did not contain legal commitments on carbon targets set out in the Paris Agreement. However, other objections to the expansion were not upheld, reducing the reason for its rejection to just one issue.
We hail all in the air, rail and sea industries for their commitment to keeping goods flowing around the world.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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