The Secretary of State viewing the Port of Barrow from a pilot vessel.
The Board of Trade visited the Port of Barrow-in- Furness on Tuesday 8th March as part of
its quarterly meeting taking place in Cumbria. The theme was “Made in Cumbria” and
Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading ports group, highlighted the essential role
the Port plays in the region and to the wider UK economy.
The Secretary of State for International Trade, Anne-Marie Trevelyan was welcomed at the
South-West Cumbrian Port which supports the UK’s defence as the site of BAE Systems’
submarine design and manufacturing facility. As part of the visit, the Secretary of State also
saw the important support the port provides for the offshore wind industry and generating
home-grown renewable energy.
The Port of Barrow-in-Furness is the only deep-water port between the Mersey and the
Clyde and has already supported the construction of eight offshore wind farm projects. The
Port is also the Operations and Maintenance base for seven offshore wind farms and has
potential to support future activity in the Irish Sea.
The Secretary of State boarded a pilot vessel to see first-hand the role the port plays in
supporting the UK’s net zero ambitions and defence programme. She was accompanied by
MP for Barrow-in-Furness, Simon Fell.
The Secretary for International Trade, Anne-Marie Trevelyan was given a ceremonial
plaque to mark her maiden visit to the Port. She said:
“It was fantastic to visit ABP Barrow, to learn more about how they are contributing to our
thriving maritime sector.
“The port not only creates jobs and boosts growth in the region, but it also plays an integral
role in offshore wind services, helping us transition to clean energy and reach our ambitious
aim of Net Zero by 2050. I’m excited to keep working together to level up Barrow and the
North West region.”
Simon Fell, Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness said:
“It has been a pleasure to have the Secretary of State in Barrow and to visit the port with
her. The port at Barrow plays a crucial role in, amongst many other things, supporting our
offshore wind and nuclear industries, and so is crucial to UK energy generation and
independence.
“The site is absolutely fascinating, and so much great work goes on here. It’s great to see
ABP in Barrow playing its part in the Made in Cumbria Board of Trade theme this month.”
Andrew Harston, Regional Director for Wales and Short Sea Ports at ABP said:
“It was a great pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State and MP for Barrow-in-Furness to
the Port of Barrow-in-Furness today. We are really proud to share what an important role
the Port plays in the local community and wider economy. There is much to celebrate about
Cumbria and I am proud that ABP is key contributor.”
