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The CEO of Asociated British Ports (ABP), James Cooper [pictured], has addressed members of parliament (MPs) in Westminster to comment on what he sees as the necessary approach following the British exit (the so-called Brexit) from the European Union (EU).

Maritime industry 'ready to support Britain's transition'

Now that the decision has been made for the UK to leave the EU, Cooper has advised that the British Government's response must be "bold, ambitious and visionary". According to the ABP CEO, Britain's largest port operator, the best response to Brexit is to look for new opportunities rather than taking on the idea that the task ahead will be based around 'damage limitation'.

Cooper stated that the maritime industry is ready to contribute to the continued success of British trade by taking advantage of new opportunities coming from Brexit and supporting the transition.

Invest into British ports

During Mr. Cooper's speech, one message was clearly repeated: he urged the British MPs to invest in British ports around the country, stating the importance of maritime trade to Britain's exports and economy.

According to UK maritime sector data, as much as 95 percent of trade in the UK is carried by ships, making it a vital industry for the continued success of Britain in world trade.

"Ports are the key link giving British exporters and manufacturers access to global markets. We have world class ports and infrastructure, world class maritime skills and services, world class technology and innovation," said Cooper during his address, adding: "After Brexit, our ports and maritime industries are more important than ever for the nation’s future success and prosperity."

He mentioned that one of the major exporters was already urging ABP to "begin pouring concrete" to make greater facilities that can accommodate the increasing exports.

Legislative response to Brexit

Cooper stated that the British Government must act quickly to remove legislation which is harmful to British port trade as well as to negotiate new trade agreements quickly.

Access to the Single Market of the EU is only one part of the necessary trade agreements. The UK will now have the chance to quickly negotiate individual trade agreements with other countries around the world on their own terms. Without having to rely on the EU to make new agreements, Britain can move ahead at a greater speed to close trade deals, Cooper argued.

One specific piece of legislation the ABP CEO mentioned was the EU Port Services Regulation. According to Cooper, "the industry, unions, and employers have been united in its opposition" since it was published by the Commission in May 2013. He recommends that Britain exclude itself from the regulation to ensure healthier growth of UK ports and increased competition. In Cooper's opinion, excluding the island nation from this legislation is one of the keys to succeeding in future Brexit negotiations.

Out of all the statements James Cooper of ABP made to the MPs, the clearest message he appears to have wanted to get across was that Britain should have a 'bold, ambitions, and visionary' response rather than being 'timid' and attempting only to limit any perceived damage.