Greenock and Inverclyde’s MSP, Stuart McMillan, has hailed the new Greenock Ocean Terminal as a ‘transformative’ investment for Inverclyde – after attending the official opening of the facility on Friday 25 August 2023.
The local SNP MSP also praised the work of all those involved in the project and was pleased that the Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop MSP, was in attendance.
Stuart said:
“I was delighted to attend today’s official opening, as this new terminal will support the growth of tourism opportunities in Inverclyde by enabling more cruise ship passengers to embark here.
“We as a community are renowned for our warm welcome and it already seems that the change in location has resulted in more tourists remaining in Inverclyde for the duration of their stay.
“All the partners involved in funding, designing and developing the new Ocean Terminal should be proud of what their efforts have achieved. This project highlights Inverclyde’s potential and I hope that more transformative investments will be made in our communities following the terminal’s success.”
The project, led by Inverclyde Council, is part of the £1bn Glasgow City Region City Deal funded by the Scottish and UK governments (£10.4m), with contributions from Peel Ports (£8m), operators of the existing Greenock Ocean Terminal, and the George Wyllie Foundation via Dunard Fund (£1.7m).
The aim of the development was to increase visitor numbers to 150,000 passengers a year and that has already been surpassed.
The project is expected to provide a £26m boost to the Scottish economy and over 70 jobs have also been created.
