National Policy Statement for Ports

Transport Committee Open Inquiry
Opened: 27 Jun 2025 Parliament page
The Transport Committee is carrying out an inquiry into the Government’s proposal for a revised National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP). Read the call for evidence.
5 Recommendations
9 Conclusions
1 Report
2 Oral sessions
1 Letter
3 Events
Activity timeline 7 events
14 Nov
2025
Report published
16 Sep
2025
Oral evidence
16 Sep
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
10 Sep
2025
Oral evidence
10 Sep
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 16, Palace of Westminster
25 Jun
2025
Formal meeting (private meeting) · The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
11 Jun
2025
Correspondence
Oral evidence sessions 2 sessions
16 Sep 2025
View on parliament.uk
Keir Mather MP · Department for Transport Mike Alcock · Department for Transport Philip Grindrod · Department for Transport
10 Sep 2025
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Cathy Hall · UK Major Ports Group Mark Simmonds · The British Ports Association Ms Stephanie Kenyon · UK Chamber of Shipping Robbie Owen · The National Infrastructure Planning Association
Title HC No. Published Items Response
4th Report - National Policy Statement for Ports HC 1028 14 Nov 2025 14 Overdue
Recommendations & Conclusions
14 results
1 Conclusion
4th Report - National Policy State…
Revised National Policy Statement for Ports welcomed for supporting future sector development
We welcome the revision of the National Policy Statement for Ports and the Government’s intention to review NPSs more regularly in future to ensure they remain fit for purpose. We note stakeholders’ broad approval for the direction of travel set … Read more
Department for Transport
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2 Conclusion
4th Report - National Policy State…
Consider port freight demand forecasts indicative and incorporate non-freight activity in modelling
The sector’s view is that port freight demand forecasts should be regarded as indicative rather than definitive. We agree. This approach will allow for greater flexibility and responsiveness to evolving market conditions, technological developments and policy priorities. To support a … Read more
Department for Transport
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3 Recommendation
4th Report - National Policy State…
Use port freight demand forecasts as guides and incorporate all non-freight activity
Port freight demand forecasts are best used as a guide to inform planning and investment decisions, rather than as rigid constraints. The Government must also ensure that future port demand forecasts incorporate non-freight activity. (Recommendation, Paragraph 17) Interaction with wider … Read more
Department for Transport
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4 Conclusion
4th Report - National Policy State…
Ports indispensable for UK supply chain, energy security, and economic growth realisation
Ports are indispensable to the UK’s supply chain both for import and export of goods, and for development of energy infrastructure. Without their efficient operation, resilience and continued development, energy security and economic growth cannot be realised. (Conclusion, Paragraph 38) Read more
Department for Transport
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5 Recommendation
4th Report - National Policy State…
Grant ports Critical National Priority status for essential supply chain and energy function
By the Government’s own admission, the ports sector is a “foundational industry.” The Government should grant ports Critical National Priority status to reinforce the primacy of port infrastructure and its essential function in the supply chain, and in enabling energy … Read more
Department for Transport
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6 Conclusion
4th Report - National Policy State…
Amend draft National Policy Statement for Ports to clarify applicability to DCO projects
To remove scope for ambiguity, the Department should amend the wording of the draft revised National Policy Statement for Ports to explicitly confirm its applicability to projects directed into the Development Consent Order process under section 35 of the Planning … Read more
Department for Transport
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7 Conclusion
4th Report - National Policy State…
Clarify National Policy Statement for Ports prioritises design for functionality, safety, and environmental impact
Ports are functional environments, where safety must remain the paramount consideration. We understand the desirability of aesthetic quality, especially for landscapes and surrounding communities, but we share the concern of stakeholders that there are limits to what can be reasonably … Read more
Department for Transport
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8 Conclusion
4th Report - National Policy State…
Government failed to communicate modal shift intentions clearly to maritime sector stakeholders
If stakeholders within the maritime sector do not believe that the draft revised Ports National Policy Statement is sufficiently clear in promoting modal shift, then the Government has failed to communicate its stated intention. (Conclusion, Paragraph 57) Read more
Department for Transport
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9 Recommendation
4th Report - National Policy State…
Revise National Policy Statement for Ports to clarify port freight interface and promote modal shift
The Government should revise the draft National Policy Statement for Ports to articulate more clearly how ports interface with other freight modes, ensuring that planning authorities actively consider modal shift in their decision-making. This should reflect the strategic role of … Read more
Department for Transport
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10 Conclusion
4th Report - National Policy State…
National Policy Statement for Ports critically enables maritime decarbonisation through planning decisions
Decarbonising the maritime sector is a complex and long-term challenge that requires coordinated action across government, industry and planning frameworks. While the National Policy Statement for Ports is not the vehicle for setting decarbonisation policy, it plays a critical enabling … Read more
Department for Transport
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11 Recommendation
4th Report - National Policy State…
Strengthen National Policy Statement for Ports to support shore power and electric vessel charging
The Government should strengthen the National Policy Statement for Ports to better support the provision of shore power and electric vessel charging infrastructure as decarbonisation options, recognising the critical interface between ports and the energy grid. It would also assist … Read more
Department for Transport
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12 Conclusion
4th Report - National Policy State…
Add guidance to revised NPS for port developments to meet climate targets and adapt
The Development Consent Order process is designed to streamline planning and accelerate the delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects, including by mitigating the risk of legal challenge. The revised NPS should therefore include guidance to ensure that port developments are … Read more
Department for Transport
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13 Recommendation
4th Report - National Policy State…
Assess Finch judgment implications for Ports NPS, adding guidance on emissions assessment
The Government must undertake a thorough assessment of the implications of the Finch judgment for the National Policy Statement for Ports and, where necessary, amends the draft revised NPS to ensure it is legally robust and fit for purpose in … Read more
Department for Transport
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14 Conclusion
4th Report - National Policy State…
Include provisions on deemed marine licences in NPS for Ports to reduce burdens
The Development Consent Order process is meant to streamline the planning approval process for nationally significant infrastructure. To achieve this and to reduce duplication of regulatory burdens, the National Policy Statement for Ports should contain similar provisions on deemed marine … Read more
Department for Transport
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Correspondence 1 letter
11 Jun 2025 To committee Letter from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport relating to the National Policy Statement for Ports, dated 4 June 2025
Parliament page