The Port of Plymouth, part of Associated British Ports (ABP), has announced the completion of a significant phase of works at the south- west England port's Millbay Docks.
The works at Millbay Docks which for over 50 years have been used by Brittany Ferries, (see related story) signifies the completion of the first works funded by the UK Government as part of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport seed capital programme.
The strengthening of the West Wharf is a critical component of ABP’s ongoing £23m investment in upgrading infrastructure at Millbay, which will help secure the long-term future of the Ferry Terminal (with Brittany Ferries serving Roscoff, France and Santander, Spain). The upgrade works also strengthen the port’s freight capability, increase the port’s green credentials and grow the offering to the cruise market.
The West Wharf project, which commenced in December 2023, involved the installation of 30 steel tubular piles, which means that the Wharf now has a 60 metre section capable of accommodating 100-tonne cranes, and therefore significantly increasing the load capacity of the berth. The enhancement will enable the port to handle a greater volume of cargo and will support a state-of-the-art Passenger Boarding Bridge for both ferry and cruise passengers.
Looking ahead, the next phase of the development includes the installation of the Passenger Boarding Bridge, supplied by Adelte, which will help to streamline the embarkation and disembarkation process for foot passengers of Brittany Ferries and cruise vessels. Additional plans involve refurbishing the passenger terminal building and implementing traffic management measures to reduce processing times for inbound traffic.
Ashley Curnow, ABP’s Divisional Port Manager for Wales and the Southwest said: “We are delighted to be making good progress with the upgrade works at Millbay Docks, which will facilitate more freight and trade, supporting the wider Plymouth economy. These improvements will also enhance the passenger experience for Brittany Ferries customers and open new opportunities for the port’s cruise business, which is going from strength to strength. This improved infrastructure is a testament to ABP’s commitment to driving growth and sustainability at Millbay Docks".
He added “We are grateful to the patience and support of the local community during the works.”
Millbay Docks has been a key hub for Brittany Ferries since 1973 and includes daily services to Roscoff in France, as well as weekly services to Santander in northern Spain.
All works are scheduled to be completed by March 2025.
The wider Port of Plymouth is continuing to experience robust growth, with cruise ship arrivals to Britain’s Ocean City doubling compared to two years ago. This increase has brought welcome revenue to the destination of England’s southwest coast, further establishing Plymouth as a key destination for international travellers.
