Delays in Harbour Order processing undermine UK ports’ expansion capabilities.
- Harbour Orders are crucial for infrastructure development and modernisation.
- The Marine Management Organisation currently takes much longer than expected to process orders.
- These delays negatively impact the UK’s renewable energy ambitions.
- Key stakeholders call for immediate government action to resolve these issues.
Harbour Orders are essential for UK ports to develop and modernise their infrastructure. These legal instruments, which facilitate the construction and operational adjustments needed for new projects, have traditionally been processed within a year, according to industry benchmarks. However, recent accounts suggest that current timelines have extended far beyond the expected duration, creating significant challenges for the ports sector.
The responsible body for processing these orders, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), reportedly takes up to four years to finalise applications now. This substantial delay is alarmingly more than the designated two-year target period set by the MMO, which itself is double the previously accepted standard. This excessive timeframe severely hampers the ports’ ability to meet the increasing demands of the offshore wind industry, alongside routine development activities.
There has been a notable decline in the number of Harbour Orders processed over the past few years, with only two being completed in 2023, a stark drop compared to previous years. Meanwhile, application fees have surged, tripling in cost, yet the efficiency of processing has markedly diminished. The combination of increased costs and prolonged approval processes is eroding confidence in the sector.
Industry experts and port associations, such as the British Ports Association (BPA), are voicing their frustration. They argue that these bureaucratic setbacks threaten crucial investments necessary for the expansion and modernisation of port facilities. Without confidence in the timely acquisition of necessary consents like Harbour Orders, attracting investments and supporting the UK’s energy transition could be severely compromised.
There is a pressing call from stakeholders for the Department for Transport to enact swift policy changes post-election. The BPA underscores the need for an urgent action plan to tackle the backlog and streamline future applications to prevent a detriment to trade and energy initiatives. This sentiment is echoed by prominent figures such as Mark Simmonds from BPA and Tim Morris of the Associated British Ports, both advocating for immediate solutions to avert further economic repercussions.
The delays are not just a hindrance to commercial goals but also pose a risk to environmental ambitions. As Olivia Powis from the Carbon Capture & Storage Association notes, the efficient functioning of UK ports is pivotal to deploying low-carbon technologies crucial for the net-zero targets. Efficient regulatory processes are indispensable to making the UK an attractive landscape for such investments.
Resolving Harbour Order processing delays is critical to maintaining investor confidence and supporting the UK’s port and renewable energy growth.
