A survey shows that only about 16% of United Kingdom ports and harbours have made “significant or practical plans” for Britain’s exit from the European Union.
Ninety-five per cent of UK imports and exports pass through the UK’s ports but with less than ten weeks to go for what many analysts believe will likely be a ‘no-deal’ Brexit, an Odgers Bernstein poll showed a “startling lack of readiness” among CEOs and directors of around 100 ports and harbours around the UK.
“The ports industry is keen to seize on any opportunities arising from Brexit, but this is the first real indication of what’s actually happening outside ports like Dover,” said Paul Butterworth, head of the Maritime and Shipping Practice at Odgers Berndtson.
Those polled said that while the vast majority of ports had done little or no planning for Brexit, over half (59%) expected a negative or strongly negative impact, he added.
However, despite the lack of preparation, only 25% of UK port leaders think they are currently in a position to handle Brexit well. “A third believe they could cope, but ideally with further investment, whilst over 40% either don’t know or doubt their ability to handle additional demands,” said Butterworth.
