PORTS & PORT SERVICES PORT OF FURTHER INVESTMENT
SUNDERLAND HAS WIND IN ITS SAILS
Waves of redevelopment are preparing the ground for inward investment at a North East England port.
Port of Sunderland has seen several million pounds’ worth of work transform its landscape, as it sets its sights on securing new business and investors linked to the renewable energy sector.
INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
The municipally owned port, which lies at the heart of the North East coastline, has seen two of its quays resurfaced, it’s rail lines reconnected and the addition of equipment including two cranes – one a heavy-lift crane – and a ro-ro ramp, as it gears up for growth in the offshore market.
LOCATION
Port of Sunderland is ideally placed for access to windfarms including Dogger Bank, Forth of Firth and Hornsea and offers three kilometres of quay frontage and 260 acres of development space.
Matthew Hunt, Port Director at Port of Sunderland, said: “We are in a prime position to take advantage of the opportunities in the offshore and renewables market, given our closeness to a number of the primary UK wind energy sites.
“The work we have undertaken over recent months only serves to enhance our position in the wind energy market in particular. We have the space available to support large scale projects and – located less than five minutes from open sea – we offer accessibility to major windfarms that will prove attractive to a range of supply chain businesses.”
To complement its natural assets, Port of Sunderland has invested heavily in infrastructure projects over the summer. Jubilee Quay – the third largest of its eleven quays – has been redeveloped, with a new asphalt hard-standing that allows it to be used for heavy cargoes.
The project, which saw earthworks, surfacing and drainage work carried out on the site, has already allowed the port to take on more business and it is hoped that – in the longer term – it will make it a more attractive inward investment proposition.
Port of Sunderland also commissioned the construction of two new lighting masts and provision of a new dockside handrail, which ensure the site can remain operational when light levels are low.
RAPID GROWTH Matthew added: “Port of Sunderland is a fast-growing port and infrastructure projects such as this one have already started to accelerate that growth, allowing us to take on more business and expand our capabilities.
“We have seen an extensive programme of investment at Port of Sunderland and all of this is helping to create new opportunities for us and to unlock the vast potential that exists here. With more of our quays becoming operational and of course, some of the major investment made to date – that has included the purchase of two cranes and of course the recent reconnection of our rail lines – we are more capable than ever and better placed than ever before to compete on a bigger stage.”
The 120m long quay is located in the port’s Hudson Dock, on the west side of the port. The area is connected to the port’s newly reinstated rail lines and will be an ideal location for handling rail-borne cargoes to and from the port.
QUAY PROJECTS
The latest project, worth £400,000 follows major work at the deep-sea port’s Greenwell’s Quay – located on the northern side of the port – which has also been resurfaced, with around 4,500m2 of concrete hard-standing. The combined value of the contracts is almost £1million.
The Jubilee Quay regeneration is the latest in a long line of infrastructure projects at the port, since the council announced its
Economic Masterplan for Sunderland in October 2010. The plan highlighted Port of Sunderland as a key asset for the city and one that is primed to exploit opportunities in wind energy in particular.
WIND ENERGY INDUSTRY SUPPORT FRAMEWORK
Since 2010, Sunderland City Council has cleared swathes of land to free up hard- standing that will allow it to play host to the large parts associated with the offshore wind sector.
Matthew said: “Port of Sunderland is in the perfect position, figuratively and literally, to support the wind energy sector.
“The port is well positioned geographically, a natural asset. And the fact we offer deep water berths so accessible from open sea is also advantageous. Beyond its natural benefits though, we have worked hard over the last few years to ensure that the port is prepared for the many opportunities we expect to arise.
SECTION SPONSOR
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www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
NORTH EAST OF ENGLAND
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