THE government has just published its draft National Policy Statement for ports growth and while it does perhaps state the obvious - that shipping is the only effective way to move freight in and out of the UK - perhaps it's a message that is worth repeating.

The most recent figures available, for 2007, show that the shipping industry handled 580 million tonnes of freight, directly employed 132,000 workers and contributed £7.7 billion to Britain's gross domestic product.

Here in the Haven Gateway we are only too aware of the importance of the ports, shipping and logistics sector for our own economy and for ensuring that the whole of the UK receives a vast range of imports it relies on. Felixstowe remains the country's largest container port by a vast margin.

It is early days and the text of the policy will be examined closely by the ports themselves, by MPs and by the House of Commons Transport Select Committee - but the general consensus is that a clear way forward for the ports industry is vital.  Clarity is also needed on issues such as the funding of infrastructure.

It is within the context of such debates that the Dryport project, in which the Haven Gateway is a lead partner, has so much to contribute both nationally and at European level. This EU project is looking into the role that hinterland intermodal hubs can play in supporting sea ports and enabling shippers to create fast, efficient, carbon-savvy supply chains.

IT and security were the focus at a recent Dryport workshop held in Emmen, in the Netherlands. One of the key speakers was Alan Long, general manager of Felixstowe-based MCP (Maritime Cargo Processing), who discussed the way that port community IT systems can be adapted for dryports.

He explained in detail the capabilities and coverage of MCP's Destin8 port community IT system - which is used by 700 companies in 17 UK sea ports, plus many inland clearance locations.

The forthcoming upgrade of the Felixstowe to Nuneaton (F2N) rail corridor for carrying containers by rail from our port once again draws attention to the vital nature of the IT and security issue.

It is so important to make sure that we have the systems we need - in place - in advance.  Felixstowe South is expanding and clearly a good (and increasing) proportion of container traffic must continue to travel to and from the port by rail.

Dryport is all about intermodality in a world that is beset by security concerns but reliant on slick supply chains. The two must work together.  As one Dryport speaker said, companies want to work on efficiency; security is no longer a single priority.  "It is very much dual purpose; any system must help companies to become more efficient ... and security will follow as well," he said.

We are fortunate indeed to have the expertise of MCP within our own region. At Emmen, Alan Long was able to provide Dryport delegates with his expert knowledge of IT systems - and to explain how IT, security and smooth cargo flows actually go hand in hand.