Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely was given an eye-opening tour of Cowes Harbour on April 11, providing him with an up-close view of the strategic port and important development sites along the River Medina.
The Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) hosted the visit, with Chairman David Riley and Harbour Master Capt. Stuart McIntosh accompanying the MP throughout the tour.
The visit highlighted Cowes’ three main marine employment hubs currently under development: Venture Quays at East Cowes waterfront, Kingston Marine Park in Whippingham, and Medina Yard in Cowes.
At Venture Quays, Wight Shipyard CEO Peter Morton showcased their shipbuilding facility and the new Red Jet 7 being constructed for Red Funnel.
Expressing strong support for Wight Shipyard, Bob Seely warned of significant risks ahead, stating, “There is potential for the loss of over 150 skilled jobs if a secure facility isn’t found right here on the Island.” He emphasized that preserving shipbuilding jobs is vital for the local economy.
Following the tour, Seely was candid about the challenges facing the developments: “It’s absolutely vital that we protect shipbuilding on the Island. There are some big question marks over the viability of some developments. If they aren’t going ahead, it worries me that they have planning permission.” He pledged to push council leaders and officers to support the right projects and safeguard marine employment.
After the tour, CHC representatives met with Isle of Wight Council leaders and Wight Shipyard CEO Peter Morton in Newport. Capt. Stuart McIntosh emphasized, “Our priority is to find both interim and long-term solutions to maintain shipbuilding and marine services in the Medina Valley.”
He added, “Marine employment is central to Cowes and the wider Island. Retaining waterfront employment sites is key to unlocking the potential of our marine industries.”
The Cowes Harbour Commission confirmed it is working intensively with all stakeholders to secure a sustainable future for the Island’s crucial marine sector.
Originally published by UKNIP.
