Patrick Mcloughlin News

Britons faced chaos in Calais last night after striking French sailors blocked the port for the second time in a week. Ferry services between Dover and Calais were cancelled again on Tuesday as MyFerryLink workers blockaded the French port. Strike action by around 400 workers last week led to major traffic jams of lorries, prompting migrants around the port to try to stow away on trucks bound for Britain. Unlike last week’s industrial action, which saw Eurostar and Eurotunnel also forced to cancel services, only ferry crossings are currently affected. "Right now the action is concentrated on the port," said Eric Vercoutre, head of the main maritime union organizing the industrial action, without ruling out wider action in the days ahead.

DP World London Gateway plans to move forward with a third berth at the UK’s new deep-sea hub port, which will increase deep-sea access for ships carrying UK imports and exports. Berth Three will enable the use of an additional 400 meters of quay length with a dredged depth of 17 meters alongside, to handle the largest containerships. New birth will become operational in late 2016. It has also developed technology to ensure the port remains open in bad weather. The location of the DP World London Gateway Port, which has 16 million consumers within 50 miles, enables imports to enter the UK closer to where the goods will be consumed. Bringing ships closer to key areas of consumption in the UK…

The Port of Dover is delighted that its scheme to enhance junctions on the A20 in Dover has been highlighted as one of the key investment schemes by the Government in unlocking Britain’s economic potential. Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said:  “Today’s Government announcement is a clear vote of confidence in how the Port of Dover is investing in the future success of the nation and, according to Transport Secretary, Patrick Mcloughlin, how we are helping to unlock Britain’s economic potential.

UK's Department of Transport informs that Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced a £10 million package to improve sea links between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, upgrade roads on the island and carry out ports repairs. The new funding includes £7.3 million towards a £12.8 million scheme to improve harbour infrastructure at both St Mary’s and Penzance and £1.8 million to repair and resurface public roads on the island. "This funding will make a huge difference to the people of Scilly and also to visitors to the island, so vital to the local economy. Good transport links and high quality infrastructure are key for the island.

Government ministers and industry leaders met at number 10 Downing Street today for a meeting to decide how best to maintain Britain’s competitive position in the global maritime industry. The roundtable meeting, set up to mark the beginning of London International Shipping Week, was attended by senior figures from top global shipping companies and focused on the elements required to boost the UK’s reputation as a leading maritime services centre. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin…