Luke Pollard MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport and Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, met with Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager at Associated British Ports, to discuss vital water safety initiatives and tour the newly upgraded Brittany Ferries terminal at Millbay Docks in Plymouth.

The visit comes as part of a wider effort to raise awareness around the dangers of swimming in dock areas during the summer months. ABP’s ongoing summer water safety campaign highlights the serious risks posed by cold water shock, hidden underwater hazards, tides and unpredictable currents. Ports are also operational areas where vessel movements and industrial activity make unauthorised access and entering the water extremely dangerous.

During the visit, Luke Pollard and Tudor Evans were also shown the results of a £23 million infrastructure investment at Millbay Docks, including:

• A state-of-the-art passenger boarding bridge, improving accessibility and streamlining the boarding process for ferries and cruise calls.
• A strengthened West Wharf, enabling the port to accommodate larger vessels and increased freight volumes.
• A modernised terminal building for Brittany Ferries with enhanced passenger amenities and operational efficiency.
• Upgraded freight and cruise infrastructure, supporting Plymouth’s ambitions for sustainable economic growth.

Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager (Wales and Southwest) at ABP commented:
“We were delighted to welcome Luke Pollard MP and Councillor Tudor Evans to Millbay today. Their support for the port’s development is invaluable.

“While we’re proud to showcase the new facilities at Millbay, it’s equally important to highlight the dangers of swimming in docks. These are working environments with hidden risks, and they are not safe places to swim – especially in hot weather when the temptation is greatest.”

“We urge everyone to stay safe and enjoy the water responsibly, away from operational port areas, and only in designated areas where lifeguards are present.”

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport said:
“Millbay is a vital gateway for Plymouth, and these improvements are a real boost for our city. I’m also pleased to support ABP’s important message on water safety – docks are not safe places to swim, and we must do all we can to prevent accidents.”

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council said:
“Ferry ports are all about journeys and we’ve been on an amazing one here in Plymouth with ABP and Brittany Ferries.

“It is less than two years since we stood on our side of this historic dock and signed a memorandum of understanding with ABP and Brittany Ferries to work together so it’s been just brilliant to watch the transformation happen, particularly the boarding bridge rising out of nowhere. It’s been impressive to see marine engineering in action.

“This is not just about creating a nicer experience for passengers – important though this is – this is about developing opportunities, for the docks, the companies, the wider port and city of Plymouth and its residents. I am proud of the role the Council has played in making this happen.”