BPA links UK container growth to port investment rather than EU ETS diversion

In a report published on 15 October 2026, the BPA said recent increases in UK container throughput reflect new capacity becoming available, rather than maritime carbon leakage caused by EU carbon pricing. The debate follows concerns raised by Spain’s state port authority through its EU ETS Observatory, which reported a sharp increase in the UK’s share of Northern European container shipping activity.

The findings have informed concerns that the EU ETS is affecting the competitiveness of continental European ports, prompting the EU to propose measures targeting UK container ports.

However, the BPA argued that the figures do not accurately reflect changes in cargo volumes and overlook significant infrastructure investments. UK container volumes grew strongly in 2025, with around 85% of the increase concentrated in London following the opening of a new £350 million berth at London Gateway in late 2024. Major continental ports, including Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges and Hamburg, also recorded growth.

Mark Simmonds, Director of Policy and External Affairs at the BPA, said British ports had invested hundreds of millions of pounds in expanding their capacity and improving their ability to handle additional vessels and cargo.

The BPA is urging the UK Government and the European Commission to reconsider the evidence before introducing measures that could affect the competitiveness of ports on both sides of the Channel. It also reiterated its support for reducing shipping emissions while stressing the importance of distinguishing normal port competition from carbon leakage.