The British Ports Association (BPA) has welcomed new measures in the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy that recognise ports as a key part of the national economy. It may even make them eligible for lower electricity prices and faster grid upgrades.
Ports were recognised as vital to the UK by the Government in London. It’s a move that may see a raft of investment in green shore infrastructure, supporting the ten-year plan for the national economy. The BPA sees this new recognition as critical to unlocking investment in port electrification and shore-side power infrastructure. It argues that access to cheaper, more predictable electricity will be fundamental to reducing emissions from vessels at berth and meeting the UK’s wider net-zero ambitions.
Ports plugged into growth strategy
The UK Government’s ten-year Industrial Strategy, aimed at boosting long-term business investment, has for the first time classified ports as a “foundational industry”. That puts Britain’s fleet of around 120 commercially active ports on a par with sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital technology.
This opens the door for ports to benefit from the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS). It’s a part of the country’s new Industrial Strategy, aimed at making electricity more affordable for key industries. That, in turn, includes ports. It’s due to begin operating in 2027, and will offer reductions of around £35-40/MWh on industrial electricity bills through to 2030. The reforms also include measures to streamline power infrastructure consenting in Scotland (where the devolved government in Edinburgh has responsibilities) and direct capital under the National Wealth Fund.
Rising costs, rising ambition
The BPA says this intervention is timely. With UK ports rapidly investing in electrified infrastructure to support low-carbon industries, rising electricity prices have become a serious constraint. Without affordable and reliable grid access, the sector risks falling behind in the transition to cleaner operations.
“We welcome the Government’s recognition of ports as a ‘foundational industry’ in the Industrial Strategy,” said BPA Chief Executive Richard Ballantyne OBE. “Ports face high electricity costs just as they are being asked to play a greater role in decarbonisation, energy generation, and supporting green industries.”
Shore power is essential power
While the government’s announcement doesn’t explicitly mention shore power systems, the BPA sees the electricity price relief and grid reforms as vital enablers for installing ship-to-shore systems, allowing berthed vessels to draw power from the grid and switch off their engines.
“Access to cheaper, more reliable electricity and faster grid connections is essential to enable this transition,” Ballantyne continued. “These measures are a big step in the right direction and will help underpin the long-term competitiveness of the UK’s maritime and industrial sectors.”
Ports call for ‘Project Rapid’
To support this, the BPA has reiterated its call for a government-backed programme of grid investment under the banner of “Project Rapid”. Originally proposed in 2022, the project aims to significantly boost grid capacity at UK ports—70% of which are already at or near their limit, according to BPA data.
“Ports are already investing in electrification, new fuels, and infrastructure for offshore energy and low-carbon manufacturing,” Ballantyne added. “These new government commitments will help unlock further investment, and we look forward to working with government to ensure a timely and effective roll-out.”
Working together to deliver change
The BPA has pledged to work with its members, government departments, and energy regulators to help deliver the strategy. This will involve supporting consultations, mapping grid capacity, and ensuring public investment flows to projects that offer long-term environmental and economic return.
In a maritime sector facing pressure to cut emissions and support the wider green economy, the ability to plug in—and power up—may prove the foundation for future growth.
Shore Power Summit
WorldCargo News is presenting the first Shore Power Summit later this year to address the issue of greening the sector and improving economic and operational provision for the international ports, cargo and logistics community.
Taking place in Rotterdam—Europe’s busiest port and a hub of maritime innovation—this first edition focuses on one of the sector’s most pressing issues: shore power deployment. The two-day conference and knowledge exchange is being staged on 12–13 November 2025 (www.shorepowersummit.com).