February 7, 2005
New figures show increased sea traffic in Burnham-On-Sea Bay
Official new figures show that 79 ship visits brought over 105 thousand tonnes of cargo to Dunball Wharf in Bridgwater, passing Burnham-On-Sea on the way, during 2004.
This figure represents a 4 per cent increase on 2003 and a massive 22 per cent increase on 2002.
In the fifteen years since 1989, the average cargo size has more than trebled from 400 tonnes per ship visit to over 1,330 in 2005.
During 2004 cargoes included animal feed additive from northern Europe, granite from Portugal and sea dredged aggregate from the Bristol Channel. Indications are that the port will continue to thrive in 2005 and onwards.
Additionally, 314 passengers took a trip on The Balmoral from the port in 2004.
Sedgemoor District Council is the statutory harbour and pilotage authority for the Port of Bridgwater, which includes Bridgwater Bay from Brean Down to Hinkley Point, and the River Parrett from Burnham-On-Sea to Bridgwater.
Both berths at Dunball are in private hands, operated by Hanson Aggregates plc and A G Watts Shipping Ltd.
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