Associated British Ports welcomed Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, and Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, to Millbay Docks in Plymouth for a site tour and discussion on vital water safety initiatives.
The visit coincided with ABP’s ongoing summer water safety campaign, which aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of swimming in dock areas.
The campaign emphasizes serious risks including cold water shock, submerged hazards, tidal changes, and unpredictable currents. Ports are also busy industrial zones, where vessel traffic and operational activities make unauthorized access and swimming extremely dangerous.
During the visit, the delegation toured the newly upgraded Brittany Ferries terminal and viewed the results of ABP’s £23 million investment in infrastructure improvements at Millbay Docks.
Key upgrades showcased included:a state-of-the-art passenger boarding bridge, enhancing accessibility and expediting ferry and cruise embarkation, a reinforced West Wharf, now capable of accommodating larger vessels and greater freight volumes, a modernized terminal building for Brittany Ferries, offering improved passenger facilities and operational performance and upgraded freight and cruise infrastructure, supporting Plymouth’s ambitions for sustainable economic growth.
Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager (Wales and Southwest) at ABP, said that docks are dangerous places to swim, especially during hot weather when the temptation is high so they urge everyone to enjoy the water responsibly in designated swimming areas with lifeguard supervision.
Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, stated he fully support ABP’s efforts to highlight water safety docks are not safe places to swim, and they must continue educating people to prevent accidents.
Located in the heart of Plymouth, Millbay Docks continues to play a pivotal role in connecting the city to key ferry and freight routes.
