5 Not Addressed

Grant ports Critical National Priority status for essential supply chain and energy function

Recommendation
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 developments. (Recommendation, Paragraph 39) 31
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses the importance of coordination with inland transport modes and the use of Transport Analysis Guidance to optimise modal shift, but it does not address the recommendation to grant ports Critical National Priority status.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government Not Addressed
5.2 The Government recognises that ports’ interface with freight operators is at the core of their operations. While some cargo enters and leaves by sea, and this will be increasingly a feature in the years to come, and some is transported onwards by pipeline, in most cases road and rail connections are, and will remain, vital. The Department recognises its own complementary role in this respect. 5.3 In view of the Committee’s recommendation, we are amending the NPS text to draw out further the importance of co-ordination with inland transport modes. 5.4 The Department’s Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG) will continue to guide and facilitate modelling to optimise modal shift, so that transport requirements, conditions and/or obligations can be assessed on a clear and consistent basis from the earliest stages of project planning. National Policy Statement for Ports: Electricity requirements of ports
Addressee Bodies
Department for Transport
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.7 yr
Report published 14 Nov 2025