Millbay Docks Welcomes Enhanced Infrastructure as West Wharf Strengthening Project Concludes

Millbay Docks Welcomes Enhanced Infrastructure as West Wharf Strengthening Project Concludes

(IN BRIEF) Associated British Ports (ABP) has completed the strengthening of the West Wharf at Millbay Docks in Plymouth, a key project funded by the UK Government through the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport seed capital programme. The upgrade, which began in December 2023, involved installing steel tubular piles to enhance the wharf’s load capacity and support a new Passenger Boarding Bridge. This project is part of ABP’s £23 million investment to boost the port’s freight capabilities, improve passenger experiences, and expand its cruise business. The next phase will include further upgrades to the passenger terminal and traffic management improvements.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 7-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Millbay Docks in Plymouth has reached a major milestone with the completion of the West Wharf strengthening project, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing development of the port. This advancement, part of a broader £23 million investment by Associated British Ports (ABP), represents the first project funded by the UK Government through the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport seed capital programme.

The West Wharf upgrade, which began in December 2023, involved installing 30 steel tubular piles, enabling a 60-meter section of the wharf to support 100-tonne cranes. This enhancement boosts the berth’s load capacity, allowing for increased cargo handling and the installation of a state-of-the-art Passenger Boarding Bridge for ferry and cruise passengers.

The next phase of development will include the integration of the new Passenger Boarding Bridge, supplied by Adelte, and further upgrades to the passenger terminal building, aiming to improve traffic management and reduce processing times for inbound traffic.

Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager for Wales and the Southwest at ABP, expressed satisfaction with the progress, highlighting the project’s role in supporting local economic growth and enhancing passenger experiences for Brittany Ferries and cruise passengers. The improved infrastructure is expected to bolster the port’s capabilities and foster growth in both freight and cruise sectors.

Steve Lawrie, Port Operations Manager at Brittany Ferries Plymouth, emphasized that the West Wharf strengthening and the new boarding bridge will significantly improve passenger experiences, particularly for foot travelers, aligning with their commitment to seamless travel.

Richard May, CEO of Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, praised the project’s completion, noting its importance for optimizing port operations and expanding future opportunities. Plymouth City Council Leader Tudor Evans also lauded the milestone, emphasizing its impact on global trade and local economic growth.

Teignmouth Marine Services Ltd. and Mace Group played crucial roles in the project’s successful execution, ensuring high-quality delivery and adherence to timelines.

The ongoing development at Millbay Docks reflects Plymouth’s increasing prominence as a key destination for international travel, with cruise ship arrivals to the city doubling in the past two years. The project underscores ABP’s commitment to enhancing port infrastructure and supporting Plymouth’s role as a major port city.

Media Contacts:

Tim Morris
Head of Corporate Communications
tim.morris@abports.co.uk
Mob: +44 (0)7850 501 903

Pressiana Naydenova
Corporate Communications Manager
pressiana.naydenova@abports.co.uk

SOURCE: ABP