Port of Poole

The Port of Poole is a cross channel port on Poole Harbour in Poole, Dorset, South West England.^[1] Along with Weymouth Harbour, Poole has the other major Channel Port in Dorset.^[2]

The Port of Poole.

History

In World War II, the port was used in the Normandy landings.^[3]

In 2017, a D-Day veteran and the last known Mark 4 landing craft tank, LCT 728, was rediscovered rotting in Poole Harbour at the Port alongside another unknown Mark 3, possibly LCT(4) 510.^[4] They were used as floating barges in the 1950s.^[5][6]

In November 2020, the Port set up a flu vaccination service^[7] and also received £86,000 for the Brexit transition period.^[8]

In December 2020, it was reported by BBC News that Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is preparing a bid for free Port status post Brexit.^[9][10] The bid for becoming a special economic zone includes Bournemouth Airport.^[11]

In April 2021, the port set up equipment at the cruise terminal to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.^[12]

In November 2023, work was finished at a £2.2m border control post at the Port of Poole.^[13]

Economy

Main article: Economy of Dorset

 

A cargo ship at the Port of Poole in May 2019.

The Port of Poole is a major destination the cruising, as well as for international trade for imports and exports of cargo.^[14] A fishing industry is also present.^[15]

Immigration

It has been reported that the Port of Poole is a target for Illegal immigration to the United Kingdom.^[16] In 2017, 18 migrants were found including children in a lorry.^[17] The local MP for Poole Robert Syms has called on the government and the Minister of State for Immigration to provide more resources to deal with the issue.^[18] The Port has a border control post.

Services

The Port is used by Brittany Ferries.^[19] and Condor Ferries.^[20] The ferry crossing to Cherbourg in France is the shortest crossing of Brittany Ferries.^[21] In the summer of 2020, the Cherbourg services were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.^[22]

Poole Port also has a Border Force Post.^[23]

Transportation

 

A Optare MetroRider at the Port of Poole in 2013.

The Port of Poole uses Optare MetroRiders for passengers commuting.

References

1. "Port of POOLE, [GB] United Kingdom (GBPOO). Arrivals / Departures / Estimated Arrivals". myShipTracking. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
2. "Poole Port". uk-ports.org. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
3. "DDay Veterans given a warm welcome to the port of Poole". Poole Harbour Commissioners. 1 July 2019. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
4. "Royal Navy – Landing Ships". The Searchers. 1 December 2019. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
5. ""A rotting wreck now has its wartime identity restored": Vessel in Poole Harbour is D-Day veteran". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
6. "Poole Harbour D-Day Tank Landing Craft: The last of a dying breed?". CITiZAN.
7. "Thousands attend drive-thru flu vaccination at Port of Poole". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
8. "Port of Poole gets £86,000 Brexit transition money". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
9. "Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole prepare bid for free port status". BBC News. 8 December 2020. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
10. "BCP prepare bid for freeport status in potential boost for Bournemouth Airport". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
11. "More than 30 UK bidders ready to pursue 10 freeport zones". Financial Times. 4 February 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
12. "Equipment deployed at Poole's refurbished cruise terminal to detect COVID-19". seatrade-cruise.com. 14 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
13. "Economy set for boost with new border facility at Port of Poole". Bournemouth Echo. 2 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
14. "Trade booming at the Port of Poole". Ships Monthly. 29 September 2018. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
15. "Ports.org.uk / Poole". www.ports.org.uk. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
16. "Illegal Immigrants Target Poole Port". Heart Dorset. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
17. "18 suspected illegal immigrants including 'seven children' found in lorry at Poole Port". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
18. "'There needs to be more resources in ports like Poole': MP's concerns over reports of immigration incidents". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
19. "Poole port guide - Brittany Ferries". www.brittanyferriesfreight.co.uk. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
20. "Poole Port | Ferry Routes & Ports". Condor Ferries. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
21. "Poole to Cherbourg ferries". Brittany Ferries UK. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
22. "Brittany Ferries will not resume Poole to Cherbourg route this summer". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
23. "Plant imports: authorised border control posts in the UK". GOV.UK. Retrieved 28 December 2020.

External links

• Official website