Funding assistance for Ramsgate expansion

In less than a decade the south east UK port of Ramsgate has experienced an unprecedented increase in activity on the back of the offshore wind industry. Activity has reduced as Thames Estuary windfarms move from construction to operation phases (possibly to pick up again as extension projects get under way), but Ramsgate is intent on building on the foundations now established with imaginative expansion plans.

Thanet District Council has now received European Interreg funding of just over £161,000 through LO-PINOD (Logistics Optimisation for Ports), a project aiming to challenge existing thinking on freight distribution and offer more sustainable and efficient alternatives.

Ramsgate’s expansion plans centre on development of a new alongside quay including a project cargo facility, a high-capacity static crane and large boat hoist. The ship repair industry including the super-yacht sector is seen as an area of potential interest. Alongside these proposals Ramsgate still has three roro berths (one double deck) able to accommodate vessels up to 170m LOA and are still hopeful of attracting a new ferry operator to the port.

The proposals are split into three parts: to assess the economic viability scoping report for alongside quay; prepare a technical design and feasibility study of the alongside quay, an extension of the eastern pier of the harbour and a commercial boat park; and construction of the alongside quay, East Pier extension and a commercial boat park. European funding will support the first two elements. Three site options for the quay are being considered. Site A is to the north of roro berth1. Site B involves ‘filling in’ the finger pier and fender pile area between roro berths 1 and 2. Site C shows the quay located adjacent to the southern breakwater perimeter of the port. With all three options the newly constructed renewable energy pontoons and significantly, the existing roro berths remain in place. Extending the East Pier with a rock breakwater will reduce swell within both the port and the Royal Harbour and importantly, help reduce the natural sand build up in both harbours.

Councillor Allan Poole, Cabinet member for Commercial Services said: “This project is such a positive addition to the Port of Ramsgate and if it can be taken forward will create local jobs, help to grow the local economy and facilitate more tourism to the area. The future development of the port is key for the council. It is fundamental that we work towards building suitable facilities for something as important as this, to continue on in our children’s and grandchildren’s future”.