UK future port development inquiry: Have your say

The National Policy Statement for Ports (NPSP) provides essential guidance for nationally significant infrastructure projects in the maritime sector and outlines how applications for Development Consent Orders (DCOs) should be prepared and evaluated by the Secretary of State.

“We’re pleased that the Government is taking a fresh look at these important planning regulations, for the first time in 13 years, to make sure they reflect the changing world we live in,” said Ruth Cadbury MP, Transport Committee Chair.

“The new NPSP will need to help both industry and the Government find a balance between building extra capacity, enabling the use of cleaner fuels and protecting the environment. We must also avoid creating unnecessary burdens, nor undermine Britain’s strong position in a highly competitive, globalised sector.”

Removing barriers

The 2025 review marks the first proposed update to the NPSP since its original publication in 2012.

Given the scale of modern port infrastructure and marine civils projects, the review aims to remove outdated barriers while maintaining the UK’s leadership in global port operations.

Industry experts, planners and marine construction professionals are now being invited to submit evidence on how the revised policy can better serve port development goals without compromising environmental protections or adding undue red tape.

The inquiry will assess how well the proposed changes support sustainable development, resilience and the evolving needs of freight and logistics.

Written submissions must be made via the Committee’s website by Monday 1 August 2025.

For more information or to submit evidence, visit: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9185