Associated British Ports , the UK’s leading ports group, is delighted to announce the completion of a significant phase of works at Millbay Docks, within the Port of Plymouth, which 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, 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.

“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 for over 40 years and includes daily services to Roscoff in France, as well as weekly services to Santander in northern Spain.

Steve Lawrie, Port Operations Manager, Brittany Ferries Plymouth said: “The strengthening of the West Wharf and subsequent new boarding bridge will significantly enhance the experience for our passengers travelling through Plymouth, especially for those travelling on foot. The upgraded facilities align with our goal to provide seamless and enjoyable travel experiences for all our customers. This development underscores our long-standing partnership with ABP at Millbay Docks and our shared vision for growth and excellence.”

Richard May, CEO, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport said: “It’s fantastic to see this project completed through Freeport seed capital funding. This is a key infrastructure upgrade for Millbay Docks which will enable ABP to optimise and grow their port operations, increase ship rotations and consider new routes as part of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport.”

Plymouth City Council Leader, Tudor Evans said: “This is a huge milestone in our our mission to increase global trade through our ports.

“Freeport seed funding has helped strengthen the wharf at Millbay, opening up huge potential for more freight as well as a better welcome for ferry passengers.

“This work means more ships, more cargo, more business and more growth for Plymouth. Great stuff!”

Teignmouth Marine Services Ltd. (TMS), with over 31 years of experience in marine contracting and civil engineering, successfully completed this phase of the works and their expertise has been instrumental. Mace Group, consultancy and construction company, has also played an important role as with their contract supervision and client representation, which has aided in the smooth delivery of the project on behalf of ABP.

Will Robertson, Ports and Maritime Lead at Mace said: “The port industry is vital to Plymouth and contributes to the health of the wider UK economy by facilitating transport and trade. Our expertise and experience in the sector have ensured the successful delivery of these essential upgrades, which will improve Millbay Docks’ infrastructure to support its operations, contributing to its role as a strategic freight and cruise terminal.”

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.