At the Irish Sea Port of Barrow the UK Shipping Minister was welcomed at the Cumbrian port for an informative tour to showcase its operations and facilities.

The visit hosted by Associated British Ports (ABP) Divisional Port Manager - North West, Carl Bevan, saw Shipping Minister Nusrat Ghani MP was given a comprehensive tour of the port. This focused on the port’s strategic importance and relationships with key customers including BAE Systems, International Nuclear Services and Orsted.

An ambitious Master Plan was also discussed with particular emphasis on potential future energy projects and the need to improve local road and rail infrastructure

The Maritime Minister said: “Ports are crucial to the success of the UK’s economy, handling more than 95 per cent of UK trade. Barrow Port is a key example, supporting hundreds of jobs across the UK and significantly contributing to the country’s economy.

“The Government’s Maritime 2050 strategy sets out a promising future for this sector and Barrow Port’s Master Plan is an exciting demonstration of expansion and taking advantage of opportunities to create new jobs.”

The Port of Barrow plays a vital role at the heart of the Cumbrian economy, serving the growing renewable energy sector and local advanced manufacturing. By facilitating trade and supporting industry the port supports 1,700 jobs across the UK, including 800 in the town of Barrow, and contributes £107 million to the UK economy. ABP’s Master Plan for the port anticipates a bright future for the port which could see substantial growth in the next decade.

The port's CEO added: 'We were delighted to welcome the Shipping Minister to our port and discuss the vital trade links it provides to the Cumbrian region.

“Showcasing the breadth of ABP colleagues' involvement in initiatives to support the local community such as educational school visits, beach cleans and Barrow's 150th anniversary in 2017, was also important.”

#Ports&Shipping - The Irish Sea port of Barrow-in-Furness, England is to host public tours of the port next week on Tuesday, 2 October.

The tours running between 1pm-4pm will take around 2.5hrs and organised by Associated British Ports (ABP), the port owners. During the tours there will be an update on ABP's 25 year master plan for the port in Cumbria which Afloat reported on the port's 150th anniversary last year.

Commenting to Cumbrian Business Growth Hub, Carl Bevan, Divisional Port Manager said: “ABP are delighted to invite you to the Port of Barrow. It is hugely important to the county, region and country and has a rich 150 year history". 

“The visit will showcase the Port and take you through our master plan which will see the Port continue to thrive for the next 150 years supporting vital works in the defence and energy sectors. The Port has an annual gross value add of £107m, supporting over 10,000 jobs in Cumbria alone”.

If interested in joining the tour, ABP request that you email Derek Armstring at [email protected] noting places are limited for this event (15 maximum).

#Ports&Shipping - An Irish Sea port, Barrow in north-west England has won the prestigious UK Port of the Year Award at this year’s 10th annual UK Ports Conference held in the heart of London.

According to Associated British Ports (ABP) which operates the Port of Barrow in Cumbria was presented (among categories) the Port of the Year Award. The award was open to all ports and terminals across the UK that could demonstrate both optimum operational performance and outstanding customer service in the last 12 months. Two other ABP ports – Barrow and Southampton made the final shortlist, with the Port of Barrow ultimately scooping first prize.

The panel of judges consisted of esteemed industry experts, specially selected for their wide-ranging and in-depth experience and knowledge of the sector, including Tim Morris, Chief Executive of the UK Major Ports Group, Craig Huntbatch, Business Line Director at Royal HaskoningDHV and Carly Fields, Editor of Port Strategy magazine.

The Port of Barrow was recognised largely due to its successful community engagement campaign, which was organised to celebrate the Ports 150th anniversary in 2017 and saw awareness about its economic contribution and bright future increase among the local community.

Together with its sister Ports of Garston, Silloth and Fleetwood, ABP’s port of Barrow supports more than 8,100 jobs in the North West and contributes more than £550 million to the UK economy every year.