ABP’S SOUTH-WEST PORTS – BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

ABP’S SOUTH-WEST PORTS – BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

In the first six months of 2005, Associated British Ports’ (ABP) South-West ports of Plymouth and Teignmouth saw some exciting operational developments and a great deal of scope for future growth.

Teignmouth, in particular, has had a good first half of the year. In April, ABP confirmed that it was planning to invest £5.0m in major redevelopments at the port, supported by long-term agreements with Mole Valley Farmers, WBB Minerals and Civil & Marine Slag Cement. The redevelopment involves straightening the port’s Western Quay by the construction of a new 300-m long quay wall, deepening the berths and building additional storage facilities and a new public slipway and quay facility at Polly Steps. The work is due for completion by July 2006 and will ensure that the port has the ability to satisfy the developing needs of its customers for the future.

Colin Greenwell, ABP Port Manager, Plymouth & Teignmouth, said: “Work has now commenced on the building work for the new developments. We are delighted that this essential scheme is progressing smoothly, and on schedule, as it guarantees Teignmouth’s future viability as a supporter of local business, and reinforces the high-quality service the port offers to customers.”

In a separate initiaitive, Teignmouth has benefited from a Freight Facilities Grant of £1.0m from the Department for Transport. This funding is to support ABP and its existing South Wales customer, Civil & Marine Slag Cement, in a project to transport cement by sea from Port Talbot to markets in Devon and Cornwall. ABP is committed to seeking out opportunities that support the Government’s policy of promoting the environmentally-friendly distribution of goods, which is reflected in this project. As the material is to be transported by sea, rather than by land, the new facilities will save a significant number of lorry journeys over the years.

John Fitzgerald, ABP Port Director, Short-Sea Ports, said: “The Government’s support for this project is extremely important for the Port of Teignmouth. The Government understands how short-sea shipping can reduce the burden of heavy traffic clogging-up the UK’s road infrastructure, and ultimately benefit the environment. As ABP’s 21 ports are distributed around the country, the Company offers a unique opportunity to support water-based initiatives, such as this. This project will link two of our facilities at Port Talbot and Teignmouth.”

The Port of Plymouth has also had a promising first six months of 2005. The new Brittany Ferries vessel, Pont Aven, which was introduced in 2004 after ABP’s £4.3m investment in new facilities, has had a successful first six months, and freight carryings have improved by 25% from the same period last year. On the cruise front, Plymouth has also seen further visits from Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas, which has made three visits in 2005.

Looking ahead, Colin Greenwell said:

“At its South-West ports, and in line with its corporate strategy, ABP has made some large-scale investments backed by long-term customer contracts. With an ever-expanding passenger-related trade at Plymouth and the important work under way at Teignmouth to grow the bulk-commodities business, the two ports will continue to make a vital contribution to the regional economy.”

7th September 2005

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