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Above left: Some of the ABP team at King’s Lynn PHOTO: STEPHEN WALLER Above right: MV Runner chartered for TimberLINK at ABP’s Port of Ayr
Despite the current market challenges, ABP is well-prepared to handle this anticipated surge, with its infrastructure and strategic locations ready to accommodate increased volumes of timber. Its strategic positioning remains a key asset. Throughout our network of 21 ports across the UK, our teams are ready to work in partnership to deliver solutions to business needs, in particular, at the port of King’s Lynn in East Anglia.
King’s Lynn, on average, handles around 200,000m3
of forestry products annually,
with approximately 60 vessel calls. The port has managed shipments of up to 5,000m3
of
forestry products in a single shipment and demonstrated its capability to handle large volumes efficiently. The recent addition of a barcode system also exemplifies our commitment to innovation and operational efficiency, ensuring that timber products are handled and stored with precision. The port has around 10 acres of land, which can be made available either as a whole or in separate plots. The site is well-suited for timber storage, with several open-sided, covered storage facilities already in place. The land is strategically located, with short distances to working berths – it’s no more than 50m to 100m from the Bentinck Dock – making it ideal for companies looking to store and handle timber products. Furthermore, King’s Lynn’s geographical positioning offers excellent distribution potential into the Midlands and other parts of the UK.
TIMBERLINK DRIVES SUSTAINABILITY Despite the market turbulence of the last year ABP has also maintained its commitment to sustainability, innovation and efficiency, as highlighted by its pioneering TimberLINK programme, reports Aurelia Peddie, commercial and TimberLINK manager, Ayr and Troon. This is not only reducing the environmental impact of timber transport but also ensuring the longevity and growth of the timber industry in Scotland.
TimberLINK is one of ABP’s flagship projects, dedicated to transforming how timber is transported in Scotland. Launched in 2000 with support from a Freight Facilities Grant, it has evolved into a critical component of Scotland’s timber transport infrastructure – moving timber from Argyll to Ayrshire via ABP’s ports of Ayr and Troon. The programme’s core objective is to reduce reliance on road transport, which traditionally involves long, environmentally taxing journeys. Instead, TimberLINK shifts timber transport from road to sea, offering a more sustainable and efficient alternative. Today, TimberLINK transports
approximately 2,200 tonnes of timber per voyage, equivalent to removing around 90 lorries from Scotland’s roads. The environmental benefits are substantial. Over its 23-year history, the programme has saved over 42,000 tonnes of CO2
emissions and
conserved millions of litres of fuel. The environmental impact of TimberLINK extends beyond reducing carbon emissions. By decreasing the number of heavy goods vehicles on roads like the A83, TimberLINK also reduces wear and tear on road infrastructure, lessening the need for costly repairs and maintenance. This not only conserves public funds but also contributes to safer roads with fewer accidents. The economic benefits are equally significant. TimberLINK supports local economies by creating jobs in rural areas, where timber is harvested and processed. The programme also encourages investment in port infrastructure, which has led to the development of facilities like the upgraded TimberLINK yard at Troon, complete with a weighbridge and all-electric gate. These investments enhance the efficiency and capacity of timber handling, ensuring that the industry can meet future demand sustainably. ABP’s commitment to sustainability does not stop with TimberLINK. The company is continually exploring new ways to reduce its environmental footprint and improve
operational efficiency. For example, the introduction of larger cranes at TimberLINK ports allows for greater loads to be handled more efficiently, further reducing time and energy required for timber transport. Looking to the future, ABP is investigating the use of alternative fuels for ships, such as green ammonia and hydrogen, to replace traditional diesel. This exploration into alternative energy sources is part of ABP’s broader sustainability strategy – Ready for Tomorrow – to decarbonise its operations and enable the wider UK energy transition. In addition to these technological advancements, ABP is also embracing the potential of electric lorries, which are already in operation in some parts of Scotland. The goal is to extend their use to the Argyll and Ayrshire regions, further reducing the carbon footprint of timber transport.
Sustainability in the timber industry is not just about transportation; it also involves responsible forest management. ABP is deeply committed to ensuring that the timber it handles is sourced sustainably. In Scotland, for every tree felled, two are replanted, ensuring the continuous regeneration of forests. This practice is closely monitored through the UK Forestry Standards, ensuring that Scotland’s forests are managed responsibly for future generations. ABP’s timber operations, particularly through the TimberLINK programme, demonstrate our deep commitment to sustainability and innovation. By reducing the environmental impact of timber transport and investing in responsible forestry practices, ABP is not only supporting the timber industry but also leading by example in the pursuit of a more sustainable future. Therefore, despite the challenges of the past
year, ABP remains committed to supporting the timber industry. ABP’s strategic locations, investment in infrastructure, and innovative initiatives position it well to capitalise on future opportunities and play a pivotal role in the UK’s timber supply chain. ■
www.ttjonline.com | September/October 2024 | TTJ
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