Posted on June 7, 2018
By Rosemary Gallagher, insider.co.uk
A Scottish port authority has been awarded a £1.5 million grant to boost its growth plans and secure jobs.
Montrose Port Authority (MPA), a support and service hub for the energy industry, has received the funding through the Scottish Government’s Ports Mode Shift Grant.
MPA said that following a period of significant investment the funding feeds into its strategic growth plans which will allow bigger cargo vessels to dock in Montrose.
The grant will support the development of two new North quaysides – berths seven west and eight.
This will increase the port’s capacity, depth alongside and associated utilities work, which in turn will increase the maximum potential size of berthing vessels from 12,000 to 18,000 deadweight tonnage.
The move will also deliver environmental benefits, removing an estimated 1.26m tonnes of freight from roads and 86,000 HGV lorry journeys.
The latest investment is expected to secure ongoing employment in the port, with changes to the quaysides expected to be complete by summer 2019.
Nik Scott-Gray, chief executive at Montrose Port Authority, said: “One of our objectives is to streamline our port activities, delivering efficient, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solutions.
“This support from the Scottish Government is the next step in this process; building on our master plan and strategy process while developing new markets and directing investment towards key infrastructure projects.”
Reflecting its growth, MPA said it recently celebrated a record-breaking month with 453,444 gross tonnes of vessel activity during May 2018; beating its previous record by a 116,299 tonnes.
Scott-Gray added: “This is the third consecutive year we’ve beaten our target. With our two new berths I am confident this number will grow year on year, as we welcome vessels from across the globe and encourage environmentally friendly modes of transport.
“There is no doubt this funding will bring significant economic benefits to Montrose and the whole North East in years to come, ensuring the region remains buoyant and competitive in the current marketplace.”
The Scottish Government said that more freight will be taken off Scotland’s roads and transported by sea thanks to the grant.
Source: insider.co.uk
