The new Ports and Shipping Minister, Robert Goodwill MP, paid his first official visit to a UK port on Thursday, 25 June, at the Port of Tyne.
While on a tour of the Port’s 600 acre estate, the Minister saw the rapid progress being made on a £25 million project on the Port’s estate.
“ The Port of Tyne is a model of innovation and a major contributor to both the local and national economy ,” Goodwill said.
“ The government is strengthening the UK’s maritime sector as part of our long-term economic plan. Our Maritime Growth Study, due to report later this year, will help ensure Britain remains competitive and a world leader in this vital industry.”
The Port is currently investing in the construction and refurbishment of 329 meters of quays, which comprises a 125 meter extension to the existing Riverside Quay deep-water facility, refurbishment of 118 meters of the same quay and initial expenditure in the strengthening of 86 meters of quays at the adjacent former McNulty site.
This investment will mean that the Port is able to provide almost one kilometer of operational quays for a variety of cargoes, increasing the Port’s competitiveness and enhancing the services it provides.
Scheduled for completion in 2016, the investment will increase capacity to handle a wide range of bulk cargoes by almost 20%, expanding the Port’s ability to compete effectively in new and existing markets.
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