#FerryNews - The ferry industry in the UK according to a recent report is gearing up for growth with more than £1 billion pounds worth of new investments planned in the next four years. 

Portsmouth International Port has long realised that investing in new facilities is key to maintaining its position as the UK’s second busiest ferry port which celebrated a 40th anniversary two years ago. The latest multi-million pound transformation will be unveiled next month when a new upgraded linkspan draw bridge is put into position.

The £9 million double decked linkspan is crucial to smooth and efficient ferry operations, used for getting vehicles on and off of vessels. A tightly choreographed operation to install and commission it at Berth 4 will follow a three day sea crossing from Deest in Holland where it was manufactured.

The improvements at Portsmouth's ferryport contribute to unprecedented national investments. New figures from Discover Ferries, the group representing the UK ferry industry, collate an impressive range of new ships and port facilities due to benefit passengers in the near future.

Emma Batchelor, Director of Discover Ferries, which released the investment statistics, said the figures reflected the sustained popularity of ferry travel. “More than 39 million passenger journeys are made by ferry to UK islands, the Isle of Man and Ireland, France, Spain and Holland,” she said “and those sustained numbers are enabling ferry operators to invest with confidence in new ships and new routes.

"Ferry travel today is transformed compared to a decade ago and enjoys a loyal following of travelers who value comfort and space. In the next four years the scale of this investment will see another step change in service for travellers.” added Emma.

In 2019 passengers travelling Portsmouth-Caen will experience the latest generation of ferry as Brittany Ferries introduce a new cruiseferry into service. As previously reported on Afloat, the newbuild to be named Honfluer is been built by FSG in Germany. 

Honfluer represents an investment of £175 million and will deliver a relaxing and comfortable crossing for passengers, on the most environmentally ferry operating in the English Channel. The cruiseferry will be powered by Liquid Natural Gas, significantly reducing pollution.