PORT INVESTMENT PREPARES FOR ARRIVAL OF SUPERFERRY
Associated British Ports (ABP) is set to invest over £4 million in major construction works at Millbay Docks, at its Port of Plymouth, in preparation for the arrival of Brittany Ferries’ new superferry, Pont Aven, which will come into service in April 2004.
The £4 million capital expenditure will fund marine works to cater for the safe year-round navigation of Pont Aven into Millbay Docks which – at 20 metres longer than the existing longest ferry currently using the port – makes her the largest in Brittany Ferries’ fleet. The marine works will include the construction of three new berthing dolphins and dredging to improve access into the port and assist Pont Aven when manoeuvring onto the berth.
At the same time, ABP will also be investing in the port’s landside operations by expanding the current passenger and freight vehicle-reception area, rationalising vehicle flows as well as undertaking improvements to security and Customs facilities.
Colin Greenwell, ABP Port Manager, Plymouth & Teignmouth, explained that this latest investment represents the continuation of a successful partnership between ABP and Brittany Ferries:
“Over the last 30 years, Brittany Ferries has developed its successful ferry operations on the Western Channel and the Port of Plymouth has become a vital part of these operations. This latest investment extends the excellent partnership between ABP and Brittany Ferries for a further 15 years, thereby securing the future of Plymouth as an established ferry port.”
Commenting on the future of the port, Nick Palmer, ABP Director, Short-Sea Ports, said:
“This investment in the port’s core roll-on/roll-off ferry business follows the recent sale of 10 hectares of land and water at Millbay Docks to the South-West Regional Development Agency and English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency. The expected property development of this area will be an excellent complement to Plymouth as an expanding cruise and ferry terminus.”
The work is due to commence this autumn, as soon as the necessary environmental evaluation and statutory-consent processes have been completed.
When Pont Aven comes into service, she will replace Val de Loire on the twice-weekly Plymouth to Santander service.
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