Martin Lawlor, the Port of Blyth’s Chief Executive, has been officially elected as Chair of the British Ports Association at its AGM in London.
A record turnout of over 300 guests gathered in London for the association’s annual lunch and AGM, which struck an optimistic tone about the role of ports in supporting a range of economic and environmental goals.
In her keynote speech, Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani MP, said: “Congratulations to Martin, who I look forward to working with to champion the important work of ports and to meet the environmental challenge to be as clean and green as possible. Ports are key to the vitality of the UK economy – underpinning regional and national growth.”
In his address, Martin Lawlor spoke of the fundamental role that ports play in UK economy. He said: “Ports are gateways for numerous maritime sectors including cruise, fishing, offshore energy, leisure and of course general cargo movement, with UK Ports handling 95% of the nation’s goods.
We are not just enablers of trade but the foundation of the entire blue economy, supporting the safe navigation of vessels from jet skis to oil tankers and doing so independently and at no cost to the taxpayer.”
Martin Lawlor praised the close working relationship between the BPA and Government, welcoming the ambitious Maritime 2050 strategy, which matches the ambition and determination from industry to deliver jobs and prosperity. He called on Ministers to deliver a regulatory and economic environment that offers certainty and is open to investment and innovation. He also welcomed initiatives such as the recent Offshore Sector Wind deal which sets out bold targets that will drive further investment in a growing and competitive industry as well as in those that support it, such as ports.
