By
Rebecca Gibson |
Associated British Ports (ABP) has officially inaugurated the newly upgraded ferry terminal at Milbay Docks in Plymouth, England.
Following a £23 million ($30.9 million) renovation, the facility has a new passenger boarding bridge, a modernised terminal building with improved passenger facilities, and upgraded freight and cruise infrastructure. The West Wharf was also strengthened to enable the port to handle bigger vessels and increased freight volumes.
ABP carried out the project in partnership with Brittany Ferries and Plymouth City Council.
“From the launch of the transformation programme to yesterday’s celebration, we’ve worked closely with our partners to create a future-ready port that supports trade, tourism and sustainability,” said Julian Walker, chief commercial officer and regional director at ABP.
The project also received £1.3 million ($1.7 million) of seed capital funding from the UK Government via Plymouth and South Devon Freeport to facilitate the infrastructure works at West Wharf.
“This is a key infrastructure upgrade for Millbay Docks which will enable ABP to optimise and grow their port operations, increase ship rotations and explore new short sea shipping routes for the future,” said Jan Ward CBE, chair of Plymouth and South Devon Freeport.
The upgraded facility was opened during a ribbon-cutting cutting ceremony at the top of the passenger boarding bridge by Walker; Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries; and Councillor Mark Lowry, Plymouth City Council cabinet member for finance. The ceremony took place before Brittany Ferries’ Pont-Aven departed for Santander, Spain.
“Whether travelling on wheels or by foot, arriving or departing, all passengers will benefit enormously from these improvements to Millbay,” said Mathieu. “We salute all those involved in a project which paves the way for vessels of the future.”