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The announcement that the port was to be given Royal Charter status was made by PM Sir Keir Starmer on behalf of the monarch during a visit to Barrow on Thursday.
During the official visit to mark the contribution of Barrow’s shipbuilding industry to the nation’s national security, the keel to the first boat of the next generation of nuclear armed submarines known as the Dreadnought Class was laid.
Mayor of Barrow Councillor Judith McEwan welcomed the prestigious accolade, 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.”
King Charles’ official representative for the County, Alexander Scott, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, expressed his pride at the announcement.
He said: “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 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.”
Chair of Team Barrow, Dr Simon Case, paid tribute to the town’s community, 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.”
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The honour was also welcomed by Associated British Ports (ABP), the owners and operators of the Port of Barrow.
Julian Walker, Chief Commercial Officer and Regional Director at ABP said: “We are incredibly proud of today’s designation of ‘Royal’ for the Port of Barrow.
“This prestigious recognition underscores the vital role that both the port and the town of Barrow play in national security.
“Beyond its contributions to national security, the port is also playing a pivotal role as an enabler of the energy transition and, underlying this, providing good jobs, investment and prosperity for Barrow and the surrounding communities.
“I want to thank the ABP team in Barrow for their commitment and professionalism as this designation is testament to everyone involved in making the Port of Barrow a cornerstone of the nation’s infrastructure.”
