Post-Brexit customs checks on EU goods taking place in Liverpool would be a "definite opportunity" for the city's port, it's been claimed.
It was revealed yesterday that the Port of Liverpool has been preparing for post-Brexit checks on Northern Ireland-bound trade in the event of a border with the EU falling in the Irish Sea. Operations at the Seaforth port could include customs staff made up of EU representatives.
The government has repeatedly denied checks will be necessary for trade between Great Britain and NI if the 海角视频 leaves the bloc on terms negotiated by the Conservatives, but the shipping industry is believed to be advancing with its preparations.
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Dr Robin Pyne, senior lecturer in logistics and maritime management at Liverpool John Moores University, said the news should be seen as an opportunity for the city.
Dr Pyne said: “Potential EU customs checks is a definite opportunity for the Port of Liverpool, especially when faced with the question of NI, as it is already very well set up for trade with countries outside of the EU.
“Liverpool’s strategy has long been to look west and to prepare itself for this trade by investing in the port, expanding container handling capacity, and a swathe of investment in equipment and technology to improve efficiency and customer service.
"Trade with the west will require similar checks on EU goods being discussed (short-term or long-term) for goods entering from NI."
On Monday, leaked Government papers from the Brexit Department warned about a "major strategic, political and operational challenge" within a year of leaving the EU if no arrangements are put in place for NI before the expected cut-off date at the end of 2020.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously promised that only goods destined for the EU would face checks, emphasising that his is a "great new deal".
But according to BBC News, freight could be diverted through ports such as Liverpool and Stranraer, which contain space for the inspections set to be led by EU representatives.
The news site reported there had been "at least one meeting this month" between shippers and government officials to discuss which ports would be suitable.
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It also said EU officials had suggested the checks will take place in GB, in order to prevent needing to return goods and foodstuffs that do not comply with single market rules.
One top official told the site there had been an "implicit understanding" checks would take place in Great Britain.
For exports to outside of the EU, the Port of Liverpool already has Border Inspection Points - which could also be used for trade with NI.
If Mr Johnson can get his Brexit deal through Parliament pending the result of Thursday's General Election, final decisions on trade checks between GB and NI are to be determined in the subsequent transition period.
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Dr Pyne said in terms of Liverpool’s preparedness, there was "every confidence" the port would be ready in time for such checks, capitalising upon others across the 海角视频 who are less ready.
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She added: "It is likely that there will be a short-term increase in throughput as ports in the south and on the east coast are not as well-prepared and we will see diverted freight from ports without enough capacity to process the freight traffic and carry out the necessary checks required by the Brexit deal.
“There are potentially a number of obstacles that stand in the way of these customs checks being an opportunity to compete long-term with east coast ports for freight from the EU. The opportunity that is presented to Peel Ports in Liverpool is to demonstrate its ability to be a quality terminal operating company, with quality equipment, information systems and IT services in the port, and to get it right when it comes to customer focus.”