UK Port Boosted By Cargo Handling Business

A North-East England port is set for a record year after seeing its cargo handling business soar.

Port of Sunderland expects to see the final volume of cargo passing through its quays take a significant uplift, after re-focusing on traditional shipping activities following a downturn in offshore activities.

Last year, Port of Sunderland handled almost 750,000 tons of cargo, however bosses expect that 2016 will see it deliver increased record tonnage figures.

Port of Sunderland has enjoyed something of a revival over the last six years, after bosses worked in partnership with its municipal owners, Sunderland City Council, to lay out a masterplan for the growth of the port, one of the city’s key assets.

Initially the focus was on capturing business in the renewable energy sector. However, without the expected government policy backing for the sector, there has been a slow down in the project pipeline in that industry that has seen the port focus its attention back on traditional maritime activities, including bulk cargo handling and project cargoes.