PROSPECTS AND OUTLOOK GOOD FOR ABP’S SOUTH-WEST PORTS

PROSPECTS AND OUTLOOK GOOD FOR ABP’S SOUTH-WEST PORTS

Associated British Ports’ (ABP’s) South-West ports continue to look to the future with optimism, as the port company reports encouraging growth in the first half of the year at its Port of Plymouth – following the completion of a £4.3 million investment to cater for Brittany Ferries’ new superferry, Pont Aven – and the Secretary of State has allowed ABP’s application for its proposed £4 million quay-reconstruction project at the Port of Teignmouth to go ahead.

It has been a good start to the year for Plymouth, following the introduction of Pont Aven, which began regular sailings between Plymouth and Santander in northern Spain at the end of March.The superferry, with its superior facilities and improved crossing time, has had a positive impact on the volume of freight traffic handled at Plymouth.Equally, the number of ferry passengers using Plymouth has risen by nearly 8 per cent in the first six months of 2004 compared to the same period last year.

“Going forward, the investment by ABP in its ferry facilities and the arrival of Pont Aven, backed by a new 15-year agreement with Brittany Ferries, will ensure that Plymouth will continue to maintain a strong presence in the cross-channel ferry market,” said Colin Greenwell, ABP Port Manager, Plymouth & Teignmouth.

Plymouth continues to be an attractive destination for cruise-ship visits and this year has had visits from a number of cruise ships including Sea Cloud II, Noordam, Rotterdam and Insignia.The highlight, so far, this year was the arrival of Royal Caribbean International’s 90,000-tonne Jewel of the Seas, carrying 2,000 passengers.

At ABP Teignmouth, the port continues to serve Devon’s staple farming and ball clay industries and the recent decision by the Secretary of State to grant ABP’s application for its proposed £4 million quay reconstruction of Teignmouth’s quay means that the future of the port is now secure.

“This is excellent news for the Port of Teignmouth.ABP’s application has always been about the long-term future of Teignmouth and its ability to serve the existing and developing needs of its customers effectively.It is essential in order to maintain the competitiveness of Teignmouth Quay, to secure the jobs of those directly and indirectly involved with the port and to ensure that the local economy continues to benefit from importing and exporting local products through the port in a cost-efficient manner,” said Colin Greenwell.

The project, which includes straightening the port’s Western Quays, deepening the berths, building additional storage facilities and a new public slipway at Polly Steps, will now move forward to the next stage and competitive tenders will be sought for the construction works.

Looking ahead, Colin Greenwell said:

“ABP is focused on securing the future of its South-West ports and developing their business.These investments clearly show to our customers that ABP Plymouth and Teignmouth are prepared and ready to meet the challenges of 21^st Century shipping in order to help them grow their own business.”

1st September 2004

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