Shoreham Port to receive share of £20 million UK Sea Food Fund grant
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has supported Shoreham Port’s application to redevelop the Dry Dock at Shoreham Port through the UK Sea Food Fund. The UK Seafood Fund is a landmark government investment supporting the long-term future and sustainability of the UK fishing and seafood industry.
Shoreham Port will invest c.£710k (75% of which is the DEFRA award) to enable the transformation of their existing Dry Dock into a modern facility which will provide essential maintenance services to local and visiting fishing fleets for future generations. This targeted package of work will significantly increase the performance of the Dry Dock making it a first-choice maintenance facility.
Other winning projects set to receive a share of £20 million include the expansion of processing facilities for popular British fish like Scottish salmon and Cornish sardines.
Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said “Fishing communities are an important part of the UK’s heritage and they make a valuable contribution to our economy, so we are backing them with funds to boost growth and opportunities across the industry. This funding will ensure seafood businesses throughout the supply chain are well-equipped to keep pace with increasing demand at home and abroad, boosting production and sustainability and building a resilient sector for the future.”
Tom Willis Chief Executive at Shoreham Port said “It is great that our application to redevelop the Dry Dock at Shoreham Port has been successful. An essential facility for vessel owners, it is one of the few remaining in the south of England and is a part of our proud history, serving users since the 1930s. When engaging with the fishing community, investment in improving Dry Dock capability at the Port is consistently highlighted as a priority".
The redeveloped Dry Dock at Shoreham Port will offer excellent dry maintenance facilities for vessels up to 50m in length, with workshop access and quayside space. Commencing shortly, the project will be completed by early next summer.