THE future of Plymouth’s Millbay Docks and its strategic maritime importance to the city has never looked brighter, says Adrian Buss, Operations Manager-PFSO of the port.
In an exclusive interview with Westward Shipping News, Mr Buss talks about the huge phase of work recently completed and the final stages of the £23 million development due to be completed in March 2025.
“The huge investment in the port will secure the long-term future of the Brittany Ferries Terminal and its services, increase the city’s commercial freight capabilities, and green shipping credentials,” said Mr. Buss.
“Plymouth is gaining an international reputation for its cruise ship welcomes, and developing Millbay Docks to attract more cruise ship visitors will boost the city’s tourism economy.”
“The strengthening of the West Wharf project was started in December 2023, and involved major works to accommodate 100-tonne cranes and the loading capacity of the Wharf in allowing Millbay Docks to handle a greater volume of commercial cargo.”
“Final works on the state-of-the-art passenger boarding bridge will really make a difference for Brittany Ferries passengers and cruise liner visitors,” he said.
As we talked at Trinity Pier overlooking the West Wharf you can see the amazing works conducted over the last year in the port.
Mr. Buss said, “We are proud that Plymouth is at the heart of Brittany Ferries cross-channel services and has been a key hub for over 40 years that also benefits the wider South West economy.”
In January 2022, Brittany Ferries celebrated 50 years of its entente cordiale between the two countries and the first voyage between Plymouth and France in January 1973.
That first channel crossing saw a converted Israeli tank carrier Kerisnel leave Roscoff with a cargo of cauliflowers and cognac, and it was also the day the UK had joined the common market, the forerunner to the European Union.
The flagship of Brittany Ferries the MV Pont-Aven, was re-routed to Millbay Docks on a special voyage to celebrate the occasion with local dignitaries, business leaders, and other invited guests from both countries in attending an afternoon reception and gala dinner onboard the vessel at West Wharf.
“As a Plymouth-born and bred man, I feel a sense of pride in what we are doing in Millbay Docks and ABP’s commitment to its future growth and sustainability in the port,” said Mr. Buss.
PUBLIC WARNED ABOUT SWIMMING IN PORT AREAS
Meanwhile, Plymouth’s senior port chiefs are calling on swimmers, paddle boarders, leisure craft, and small boat owners to be more aware that Millbay Docks is not a ‘free public access’ zone, but forms part of a statuary harbour area, says Mr. Buss.
During the height of the summer season the King’s Harbour Master and Commissioner (KHM) Rob Giles had to warn all users in the Sound to ‘keep well clear’ of the approaching Brittany Ferries, which don’t have much wriggle room when arriving in Millbay Docks, he said.
“The MV Pont Aven and MV Armorique had many close quarter situations with other boats on arrival and departures and had to take emergency actions to avoid them.”
“We are planning to increase warning signs around the docks to emphasis that it is prohibited to enter the water. We will also have a small rib patrolling during the summer season.”
“Unless you have permission to be in our port area, please stay out and please stay safe,” said Mr. Buss.
About Associated British Ports (ABP) Southwest
With the support of its customers, ABP’s ports in the Southwest – Teignmouth and Plymouth – contribute £110 million to the UK economy every year, supporting 1,600 jobs nationally.
ABP owns and operates Millbay Docks at the Port of Plymouth, and covers 50 acres of port estate and is home to Brittany Ferries’ services to France and Spain, which carry around 400,000 passengers and 150,000 vehicles a year.
ABP’s Port of Teignmouth handles in the region of 460,000 tonnes of bulk cargo each year, and is ideally situated to serve the ball clay export industry.
