The UK Government has launched its Freeports Prospectus which gives further details on the UK Freeport model and sets out how bidders can apply for that status in England.
This certainly has the potential to be a game changer for ports and the associated local economies and we await more information from the Scottish Government regarding the potential benefits of Freeports models might provide along with the criteria for selection and the application process.
Simon Brebner, Chief Executive of Peterhead Port Authority, said: “We welcome this as a first step forward and whilst we wait for details from the Scottish Government, it is important to ensure that the North East of Scotland remains very much part of the national Freeport discussion and that we challenge ourselves to ensure our collective value proposition provides a platform where increased economic activity and inward investment could be realised.
“Peterhead Port has access to large areas of land with development opportunities, excellent transport links and a diverse and innovative mix of business activities within seafood, energy and the renewables sector which will undoubtedly benefit customers, stakeholders and the economy alike.”