As a relatively new source of port funding, the initiative runs the risk of conflicting with the cost recovery principles outlined above and which the Commission itself supports. The BPA believes that funding under TENS must be restricted to feasibility study funding only. Ports have extensive environmental responsibilities. The BPA is a member of the English and Scottish Coastal Forums and many of its members participate in estuary and coastal management initiatives. It is also a 'prime partner' in the 'Eco information' research carried out in collaboration with the European Commission and with ports from five other EU member states.
Ports also play an important role in responding to marine emergencies such as oil spills.
A shift of goods from land to water can help to reduce severe congestion problems on land. As indicated under 'Guiding Principles' above, encouragement of coastal shipping is partly dependent on each transport mode meeting as fully as possible its own costs. These controls restrict effective port operation and must be kept to a minimum so that the benefits of the Single Market can be implemented as fully as possible. The BPA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Customs and Excise on drug controls and is committed to co-operation with the authorities in this area. Dredging is essential to the safe operation of ports.