The European Union (EU) port services regulation (PSR) has come into force following its adoption by the European Council in January.

EU member states must implement the PSR within two years of the legislation's introduction, in the lead up to making the regulation effective from 24 March 2019.

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The new rules establish a framework for various port services, including mooring, towage, bunkering and waste. They also set out a system for financial transparency arrangements for ports on the EU Core Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and Comprehensive networks.

In addition, the legislation is expected to ensure greater transparency regarding port charges and the public funding of ports.

British Ports Association chief executive Richard Ballantyne said: “The Regulation will be effective in two years, and this means the requirements are expected to be implemented into UK law before we leave the EU.

"The UK ports industry has consistently lobbied against the PSR and we are therefore hopeful that the UK requirements will be overturned after Brexit."

“As the UK ports industry is predominately private and competitively managed the new rules are unnecessary and unwelcome.

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“The UK ports industry has consistently lobbied against the PSR and we are therefore hopeful that the UK requirements will be overturned after Brexit.

“We are actively working with the UK Government to ensure the best post Brexit outcome for the ports industry.”

The British Ports Association represents the ports, terminal operators and port facilities across the UK, and consists of 100 full members and numerous associate members.

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