Ports & Maritime

Britain is a maritime nation, which makes ports and harbours an essential economic sector in an increasingly global world.

In recent years, the sector has undergone radical change and modernisation, with billions of pounds of private sector funding being invested in new and improved ports and maritime infrastructure. The sector forms a key part of the logistics’ supply chain, and contributes nearly £10bn to the UK economy on an estimated business sector turnover of £30bn.

There are significant differences to conventional land and property in terms of law and practical asset management. Planning and Development may be governed by the National Infrastructure regime, harbour and maritime law will apply to port real estate, and business activities can be affected by HMRC Customs and Border Control regulations. This is becoming increasingly relevant in the post-Brexit environment. The shift to a net-zero economy is changing the requirements for energy as well as the regulatory background, requiring greater focus on related infrastructure services. Smaller ports face the challenge of growing competition, but can provide opportunities for many traditional port users as well as new entrants, such as the offshore energy sector.

Many port operators and their customers are seeking strategic and practical guidance and support to holding and managing property assets in an effective and agile manner, suitable for a fast changing operational environment.

The practice is orientated towards advisory work, with key areas being:

• Planning and Development
• Leases, licences and wider commercial contract support
• Strategic guidance
• Estate management and related advisory
• Expert evidence
• Rating
• Energy infrastructure