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All systems go in Sheerness

[ October 31, 2014   //   ]

The port of Sheerness has unveiled plans to increase cargo throughput by 130% over the next 20 years inder a new Master Plan. It also details investments that would create over 1,000 jobs in the marine and maritime industry, as well as options for a rail link to Port to Liverpool, which shares Sheerness’s ownership as part of the Peel Ports group.

Sheerness currently handles around 1.3million tonnes of cargo a year but it says that industry forecasts show that this could increase by as much as 130% over the next 20 years, to 3.1 million tonnes.

A rail freight link from Sheerness to Liverpool could move new motor vehicles for export and import, creating around 1,250 direct, indirect and induced jobs by 2034.

The Master Plan is not a statutory document but it will help to ‘future proof’ the port, says Peel. It identifies the amount of land needed to accommodate the port’s growth and explains how investment in new facilities will serve the growing steel, forest products and automotive sectors and allow for the upgrade of the port’s existing infrastructure. Peel Ports is also continuing to explore opportunities within the renewable energy sector.

Sheerness port director, Miles Hearn, said: “The production of the Master Plan is important, as it is part of our strategic commitment to develop and grow the Port of Sheerness over the next 20 years. It reflects Peel Ports’ long-term ambition to remain a key employer and driver for sustainable growth in the Swale region.”

Peel Ports will now discuss the Master Plan with the public over the next six weeks.

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