Government Updates National Ports Policy to Support Future Investment and Growth

Peel Ports Group has welcomed the publication of the Government’s revised National Policy Statement (NPS) for Ports, which introduces a stronger presumption in favour of approving development consent orders (DCOs) for nationally significant port infrastructure projects.

Published by the Department for Transport, the updated framework is designed to support future investment in the UK’s port sector while recognising the critical role ports play in economic growth, energy security, trade resilience and the transition to cleaner energy.

The revised NPS provides greater clarity for port operators and investors, helping to create the conditions needed to deliver long-term infrastructure projects that will support the UK economy for decades to come.

The document also acknowledges the growing importance of ports in enabling major infrastructure and renewable energy developments, including floating offshore wind. As offshore projects increase in scale, ports will require enhanced facilities, deeper water access, greater heavy-lift capabilities and expanded operational space to support deployment.

Confidence for Long-Term Investment

Commenting on the updated policy framework, Tom Harrison, Group Strategic Accounts Director at Peel Ports Group, said:

“This gives the ports industry real confidence in its long-term future. We’re seeing growing demand across trade volumes, largely helped by major offshore wind and infrastructure projects, and ports sit at the centre of delivery.

“A clear, updated planning framework matters because it gives operators and their construction partners something they’ve previously lacked: the certainty to plan infrastructure investment years in advance, at exactly the point when that investment is most needed.

“Pair that certainty with the flexibility to respond to what the market actually needs, rather than a fixed forecast, and operators like us can keep building the capacity that offshore wind, project cargo and major construction schemes will depend on for years to come.” [Revised NP...l Engineer]

Industry bodies have also welcomed the revised NPS, noting its stronger recognition of ports as a foundational industry and its role in supporting economic growth, energy security and the UK's renewable energy ambitions. The updated framework is expected to help accelerate investment decisions while maintaining appropriate environmental considerations. [Revised NP...l Engineer]

As one of the UK's leading port operators, Peel Ports Group continues to invest in infrastructure and capabilities that support customers, communities and the wider economy. The revised policy framework provides greater certainty for the industry at a time when investment in trade, logistics and renewable energy infrastructure is increasingly important.

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Revised NPS for ports includes stronger presumption in favour of port DCO approvals