23 October 2008

DEFRA Dredger Visit Highlights Marine Aggregate Importance

In a trip organised by BMAPA last week, new DEFRA Minister for the Natural and Marine Environment, Wildlife and Rural Affairs - Huw Irranca-Davies - visited an 8,500t capacity dredger on the river Thames. 

The Minster, accompanied by a number of senior DEFRA officials, spent nearly two hours touring CEMEX UK Marine’s Sand Falcon as she unloaded at Angerstein Wharf on the Greenwich Peninsula in London.

The visit provided BMAPA Chairman, John Miller (CEMEX UK Marine), and previous Chairman, Kevin Seaman (United Marine Dredging), with the chance to highlight the importance of the marine aggregate industry as a part of national aggregate supply. Also stressed was the need for the new Marine Bill to deliver certainty to marine industries, alongside the envisaged improvements in environmental protection.

The Minster had only been in office for a week and this was his first public visit since his new appointment. The visit therefore represented a welcome opportunity for the marine aggregate industry to discuss Governments proposals for marine policy, planning and management.

ENDS

If you need any more information, please contact our Press office or return to the News homepage