mv Pont-Aven | Brittany Ferries Enthusiasts

Improvements worth £4 million are being carried out at Millbay Docks in preparation for Brittany Ferries' new £100 million 'super-ferry'. ABP confirms it will plough the cash into major construction work so the port can accommodate the craft, which is 20 meters longer than the largest vessel currently using the port.

Work commenced during late 2003 and will include the removal of the existing three dolphins on the unused berth 1, dredging between No1 berth and Trinity pier to allow greater manoeuvring room without the need for tug assistance in poor weather conditions. Three new berthing dolphins will be placed between the Trinity and Millbay pier and a new monopile mooring dolphin will be placed onto berth 2. Rocks on Asia channel are also being removed to allow easier stern berthing.

At the same time, ABP will be investing in the port's landside operations by creating better security check areas, more traffic lanes, more car parking and safer foot passenger access.

In Santander, work is also continuing with the complete refurbishment of the passenger terminal, its use being exclusive to Brittany Ferries. This has included better security and a general terminal facelift. Santander also hopes to attract cruise ships to the terminal. A new linkspan is also being installed to allow better access for the new vessel which is 3m wider than the Val de Loire. The work is costing a total 1,029,469 Euros.



This site is part of the Brittany Ferries Enthusiasts group	©BFE 2004