On behalf of His Majesty The King, the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has announced Royal Charter status for the Port of Barrow. This marks a historic moment for Barrow’s shipbuilding history.
The Port of Barrow is Cumbria’s gateway to growth, serving local industry and manufacturing, facilitating maritime trade and hosting world-class shipbuilding. Royal Charter status means national recognition for the town’s unique and critical contribution to national security.
Mr. Alexander Scott, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria and the King’s official representative for the county, commented on the announcement:
“This marks a historic milestone for the Port of Barrow as it is granted the prestigious honour of Royal Charter status. This recognition celebrates the port’s enduring contribution to trade, industry, defence and the prosperity of our nation. Since the establishment of the Barrow Shipbuilding Company, this has been a centre of national excellence; generations of skilled shipbuilders have dedicated their energy and talent to the creation of some of the nation’s most prominent ships and submarines. I hope and believe it will continue to thrive as a cornerstone of industry and maritime excellence. Congratulations to Barrow and everyone who has made this remarkable milestone possible."
Councillor Judith McEwan, Mayor of Barrow welcomed the announcement today saying:
“This is a proud moment for Barrow. It is official recognition of the important role that the Port and our ship building history makes not only to Barrow but nationally and internationally. For me, this is probably one of the biggest announcements for the Port since its official opening in 1867.”
Chair of Team Barrow, Dr Simon Case, also welcomed the Port honour, saying:
“This is fantastic news and fully deserved given Barrow’s continued importance to national defence, which stretches back over many decades. There’s nowhere else in the UK with the skills and infrastructure needed to design and build world class submarines, so this prestigious honour recognises not just the role of Barrow’s port, but the commitment and dedication of the community and its workforce, both past and present.”
Councillor Matt Severn, Chair of Westmorland and Furness Council, said:
"We are rightly proud of Barrow and the role it has played in helping to build and protect our nation. The town and its people share a long heritage of production and innovation, in particular shipbuilding which has seen Barrow become a world centre of excellence in marine engineering and playing a leading role in the defence of the realm for more than 100 years – a role which continues to the present day and is set to continue for decades to come. To have Royal status confirmed for the Port is a huge accolade from the highest levels and we are delighted to receive this great honour.”
The announcement was made during a keel laying ceremony at which the PM laid the keel to the first boat of the next generation of nuclear armed submarines known as the Dreadnought Class.
On the visit, the Prime Minister said:
“Each and every person living and working in Barrow is contributing to our nations defence, whether that is building our world class submarine programme or supporting the workforce though vital public services or proud family businesses.”