Logistics experts at Colliers International have stepped up calls to push ahead with the Deep Sea Container Terminal at Avonmouth following an upsurge in freight business.
Head of the Bristol office Tim Davies said the terminal could become a key logistical hub not just for Bristol but the region as a whole.
He said: “Bristol Port is already having to take on more staff to cope with this increased demand, but what we need now is to see work begin on the new terminal.
“Avonmouth has the capacity to become the hub of a global sea freight network linking the UK with expanding markets in China, India and beyond. Failure to press ahead with up to the minute terminal facilities could limit Avonmouth’s role and restrict the trade and employment opportunities on offer on the city’s doorstep.”
He warned the South West was in danger of falling further behind the ambitious Gateway London project.
The new deep sea facility on the banks of the River Thames, which will provide shipping access to the largest consumer market in the UK, is already attracting the attention of big name chains such as M&S anxious to reserve logistics space.
Tim Davies said: “Gateway London is already generating massive interest and it is essential we don’t let the opportunity slip to establish a rival Gateway here in the South West.”
Colliers International has lobbied extensively in support of the £600m scheme arguing that the terminal could be pivotal in attracting significant amounts of industry into Bristol.
“Any increase in staffing levels at the port is to be welcomed, but the numbers we have seen recently are just a fraction of those which could be expected should the deep sea terminal get the green light.”
Plans for the terminal have been approved by the Secretary of State but work has not progressed past the initial testing stage as Bristol Port waits for global economic conditions to improve.
Tim Davies believes those conditions are now being met and urged port authorities make an early start on the wide-ranging project.
“While we are clearly not out of the woods the recovery is gaining momentum and now is the time to be pushing ahead with the terminal – ensuring Bristol is ideally placed to reap the benefits when the economy begins to lift.
“We must ensure our regional port is geared up to cope with the ever increasing amounts of freight arriving here. Once the new terminal is built Avonmouth has the potential to one of the largest in Europe capable of welcoming some of the world’s biggest container ships.
“City stakeholders must be aware of the long term significance of the Deep Sea Container Terminal and its pivotal role at the centre of the freight distribution network. It is important to push ahead now otherwise Avonmouth, Bristol and the entire region could miss the boat.”
Bristol Port has reported that car imports and exports are up four per cent to just over 400,000 units on the previous 12 months. Imports from Spain and Italy were up more than 10 per cent despite the economic situation in southern Europe.
Tim Davies concluded: “Avonmouth holds a number of trump cards as it brings ships closer to the centre of the UK than any of its deep-sea rivals. In addition, the port has 1,000 acres of developable land with good motorway and rail connections to every part of the UK.
“The Deep Sea Container Terminal would help turn these advantages into a positive force for growth in the South West and beyond.”
