ABP’s Port of Ipswich is in the midst of a record year of visitor numbers, with this year’s numbers already surpassing the 2015 end of year total.
To date over 15,196 passengers have already visited Ipswich’s Wet Dock – a 22 per cent increase on last year’s total of 13,893 visitors.
In September alone, more than 3,000 people visited the Ipswich Wet Dock on the Orwell Lady, restaurant boat Allen Gardiner, and the Thames Barges which sail the River Orwell for public and private hire trips.
A number of events at the Ipswich Wet Dock this year can be attributed to the increase in numbers, including the Ipswich Waterfront Celebration in August and the Pigs Gone Wild art trail which raised funds for the St Elizabeth’s Hospice.
ABP Short Sea Ports Director Andrew Harston said: “2016 has been a great summer and the boats operating from the historic Wet Dock and Ipswich Waterfront have experienced some tremendous visitor numbers.
“Local operators of river trips in Ipswich have provided tourists with a unique view of the area, and the success of the 2016 year to date is testament to their efforts in providing Ipswich with outstanding tourist activities.”
ABP purchased the Port of Ipswich in 1997 before installing new lock gates in 2000 and developing the Ipswich Haven Marina. Along with the rejuvenation of the Ipswich Waterfront, the area has become a major visitor and leisure destination in East Anglia.