City 'must invest in its ports to evolve and grow'

NEW REPORT WARNS COUNCIL IT MUST NURTURE CITY PORTS

- WILLIAM TELFORD

PLYMOUTH’S four ports provide a major economic boost for the city but will have to change and need investment if they want to contribute even more, a new report says.

The draft Plymouth Ports Strategy said the ports at Devonport, Cattewater, Millbay and Sutton Harbour have major strengths in engineering, technological innovation and research with the marine and defence sectors employing 20,110 people and contributing £1.2bn to the city in 2021.

But the report, which will be discussed by councillors today, stressed “the nature of ports is changing worldwide, and Plymouth will need to evolve to maintain and grow their market presence and capabilities”.

It said this will mean “targeted intervention” and in some areas “a more strategic approach” to overcome weaknesses and realise the full potential of major opportunities, such as creating 2,600 graduate-level jobs by 2030.