Plymouth should continue to build on the current strengths of its four ports to ensure they grow in a highly dynamic and globally competitive sector – that’s the key signal from the city’s first ever port strategy.
The report concludes that the future success of Plymouth’s ports will be defined by its ability to maintain its unique blend of maritime activities, support a diverse range of skills and jobs, celebrate and protect its environment while implementing sustainable changes towards net zero.
This will be achieved through collaboration and innovation, as Plymouth has demonstrated over generations.
Cabinet will meet on 10 March to discuss the strategy and the importance of the city’s four ports to Plymouth’s growth - it's defence and marine sector employs 20,110 people - and moves already afoot to enable the ports to prosper and embrace new opportunities.
It is expected to approve the strategy as well as six areas where the council could focus future work with the harbour authorities, port operators, marine supply chain and stakeholders. They are:
- Invest in and develop maritime skills as a key enabler of future growth and to anchor the benefits of this growth in local communities
- Preserve space for the ports with more detailed work to determine future requirements
- Maintain Plymouth’s expertise in innovation in marine autonomy, clean propulsion and digital ocean technology
- Foster communication and collaboration to promote Plymouth’s ports and to identify and drive forward new initiatives
- Support investment in infrastructure to ensure the ports remain competitive
- To recognise the significant role that the ports can play in preparing for net zero and the opportunity and benefits that this could deliver in productivity and job creation.
Council leader Tudor Evans said:
“This strategy is a reminder of the breadth of work and opportunities our ports offer and the potential they have to benefit not just Plymouth, but the wider region and indeed, national economy.”
“Closer working with the port operators is already getting results. We have seen investment in port infrastructure at Millbay, that will improve freight turnaround, increase the port’s capacity, enabling it to thrive, create new jobs and secure new export opportunities.
“Over in Cattewater Harbour, greener and cleaner ships are also on the horizon, thanks to improvements to a key navigation channel, which means ships with larger hulls will be able to use the wharves, further supporting development of more regular short sea shipping routes.”
Council leader Tudor Evans added:
“It also says that while a council does not play a direct role in port operations, we have an important role to play in supporting the future development and growth of the ports through our role as an advocate, city leader and by creating a supportive policy environment.
“We are embracing this role with relish.”
Some facts about our four ports
- The city’s marine and defence sector employs 20,110 people – that’s 18 per cent of the city’s work force, more than Southampton and Barrow in Furness
- Devonport Dockyard is the largest naval base in western Europe and is the largest land user in the city – covering 650 hectares, with 14 dry docks, 25 tidal berths and four miles of docks.
- Cattewater is home to several commercial wharves handling nearly 2m tonnes of cargo every year, including fuel, feed, cement and clay.
- Currently, 12 cruise ship visit Plymouth every year with plans to more than double this number in the coming years
- Plymouth Sound is home to over 1,000 species and 6,402 hectares are in an area of special scientific interest.
The Port Strategy can be viewed here