Welcome to the SWRPA's website. Our Association represents a wonderful selection of Ports and Harbours around this peninsular of Britain
South West Regional Ports Association
Welcome to the South West Regional Ports Association (SWRPA) website. The Association evolved from what was formerly a Devon & Cornwall network group and is in response to requests from regional & local government agencies to provide a single point of contact for ports in the South West Region.
These are exciting times for ports in the south west as the benefits they can offer to both existing and emerging industries become increasingly evident. “Green” is a word we are all familiar with and there is no greener or more sustainable transport option than by sea. Wind & wave energy initiatives develop at pace along our coastline; each will involve the use of port infrastructure and services.
Ports provide a focal point for tourists and traders alike. A family trip around the bay whilst a cargo vessel sails out of the port focuses thought on the fact that ports are multi faceted and create opportunities for a diverse range of uses.
As a tourist destination the attraction of the smaller community ports is well established. Recent marketing developments in the cruise ship industry, notably by ‘Destination South West’, a body which many of our members are part of, have led to a growth in the number of cruise ship visits to our ports. ‘Destination South West’ is a member of ‘Cruise Britain’, in turn part of ‘Visit Britain’. This ensures ports in the South West are exposed to maximum publicity for potential visitors from both inland & by sea. We aim to encourage cruise ship visits to South West Ports.
We look forward to engaging with the Local Enterprise Partnerships as they develop in the region.
We also aim to represent the views of our members with regard to current & evolving ports policy, and to act as a link for all agencies involved with the operations ports undertake.
We will respond to consultations and, where appropriate, supply evidence in response to requests from government departments and other relevant agencies.
We aim to highlight the importance of port economies to local and regional government and, where practicable, ensure the core business of ports, be it commercial or leisure, are protected from developments which affect their viability.
Our ‘Gateways for Growth” document expands on these themes and adds weight to the arguments in favour of support for the ports sector. I would like to thank the British Ports Association for their assistance in producing this work.
Member ports are represented by professionals with a wealth of expertise supported by a strong network of knowledgeable colleagues throughout the region. This website links to each of our members’ home sites, over 35 ports in the south west. I hope you find this site useful and commend the ports industry in the south west to all concerned with the creation of a vibrant economy in the region.
Captain Tim Charlesworth
18th March 2011
