The British Ports Association (BPA), the trade body for ports and harbours in the UK, has opened the nomination period for its annual Awards programme. The 2025 Awards are open to all within the UK ports sector and have been expanded to include six new categories. The Awards aim to highlight the diversity of the ports industry, reflecting the BPA’s wide-ranging membership, which includes over 400 ports and harbours collectively facilitating 86% of the UK’s maritime traffic.
The deadline for this year’s Awards is 16 June. They will considered by an independent panel of judges over the summer and then presented at the BPA’s Annual Conference Gala Dinner on 16 October. They include categories on:
Port Development Award 2025
The BPA Port Development Award will be awarded to a port in recognition of achievements in the planning, design, construction, and execution of a development or project. This will highlight initiatives and schemes that have built new infrastructure, enhanced port estates, capacity, efficiency, driven port activity, or economic growth. Projects can include new infrastructure development, expansion of existing facilities, technological upgrades, environmental sustainability initiatives, or improvements in operational efficiency.
Port Sustainability Award 2025
The BPA Port Sustainability Award will be awarded to a port, harbour, marine facility, or employee that has driven environmental initiatives from reducing emissions, making sustainable changes, or promoting biodiversity and habitats. Ports will not be assessed based on total emissions reduced, but more on the pace of change, concrete action, and whether there is a full embrace of sustainability across all port activities.
Inclusive Workplace Award
The BPA inclusive workplace award will be awarded to a port, harbour, or marine facility that has demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in its workplace culture, with equal opportunities for all employees. Initiatives can include policies, programs, training, recruitment practices, employee support systems, and community engagement, aimed at fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Industry Award
This Award recognises those that work with ports – a BPA Associate Member has made a significant impact. Such suppliers or vendors are not port operators themselves but should demonstrate examples of high standard work, innovative contributions, and solutions for port clients. These can include advisory or consultancy services, equipment supply, infrastructure design or development, environmental solutions, or any other support that has benefitted the UK ports sector.
SME Port of the Year Award
The BPA SME Port of the year award is open to small and medium-sized port enterprises (SMEs) who have showcased achievements in, for example, enhancing operational efficiency, engaging stakeholders, executing successful development projects, and providing excellent customer relations, thereby contributing to the overall success and growth of the port industry.
Exceptional Contribution Award
This award recognises an individual or team that has demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact within their organisation or community. Recipients will have gone above and beyond their regular responsibilities, contributing significantly to advancing goals, collaboration, or solving complex challenges. Their efforts have made a lasting difference, setting a high standard of excellence and commitment.
“These Awards celebrate achievement, dynamic leadership, high performance and best practice in the ports sector. We welcome all nominations and look forward to receiving a wide variety of applications. The ports sector is sometimes overlooked and the Awards aim to shine a light on what we know is an essential industry.”
Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive at British Ports Association
Further information and details of how to apply are available on the BPA’s website here: www.britishports.org.uk/awards
