Two Ports, Two Stories: From Portsmouth to Lancaster

We're back in the UK after our trip to the Ferry Shipping Summit in Sweden, where we recorded five special episodes of Full Ahead.

This time, we're looking at two very different UK ports — Portsmouth International Port and the Port of Lancaster — and discovering how both are adapting to the future.

While in Malmö, Alistair and Nigel spoke to Andrew Williamson, Head of Cruise and Ferry at Portsmouth International Port. With the port approaching its 50th anniversary, Andrew explains how Portsmouth has developed into an important ferry and cruise hub, its close relationship with the local community, and how investment and innovation are shaping its future.

We then head north to Lancashire and the Port of Lancaster, where Matthew Burdekin, Deputy Harbour Master, takes us through the remarkable history of a port that has been operating since 1750.

Despite its long history, Lancaster is looking firmly towards the future. Matthew explains why its riverside, tidal location makes it well placed to handle a wide range of cargoes, how ships navigate their way into the port and what opportunities lie ahead.

Along the way, we explore some fascinating questions:

• Who takes the financial risk when a ferry terminal is developed — the port or the ferry company?
• Who actually owns Portsmouth's port?
• How can the maritime industry attract the next generation?
• How does a modern ship reach Lancaster's tidal riverside port?
• And how does a port with almost 300 years of history prepare for the future?
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Thanks to Andrew and Matthew for joining us.

00:00 Setting the scene with Alistair and Nigel
03:00 Andrew Williamson on the development of Portsmouth as a ferry hub
04:00 Ports or ferry companies — who takes the risk?
05:00 Who owns Portsmouth International Port?
07:00 Attracting people to careers in maritime
08:00 Matthew Burdekin takes us back to the history of Lancaster's port
15:00 West Quay and Lancaster's ambitions for the future
19:00 How ships reach this riverside, tidal port
22:00 Looking back — and ahead to the next Full Ahead

Full Ahead brings you the people, places and stories behind the maritime world.

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