January 23, 2006
10 per cent jump in Burnham-On-Sea shipping traffic during 2005
Official figures released this week show the number of cargo ships passing Burnham-On-Sea on their way to Dunball and Bridgwater increased by almost ten per cent during 2005.
The stats from the Harbour Master show 85 large vessels passed Burnham last year compared to 79 during 2004.
Income from harbour dues and pilotage also increased during the period – by around 14 per cent.
A spokesman said: “In addition to benefits to the local economy, moving goods by sea helps the environment through reduced congestion and greatly increased energy efficiency. Coastal shipping is up to five times as energy efficient as road transport per tonne/mile.”
In the fifteen years since 1989, the average cargo size in the Port of Bridgwater area has more than trebled from 400 tonnes per ship visit to over 1,330.
Cargo includes 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 during 2006.
Sedgemoor District Council is the statutory harbour and pilotage authority for the Port of Bridgwater, which covers Bridgwater Bay from Brean Down to Hinkley Point, and the River Parrett from Burnham-On-Sea to Bridgwater.
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