Grain handling expansion at Immingham

(Posted on 20/03/23)

Grain handling at the Port of Immingham is increasing thanks to the new opportunities presented by investment from owner Associated British Ports (ABP).

Two metal plate bunds which can be set up on any quay on any surface, have been installed. They can also be sanitised between vessel discharges meaning grain for human consumption can be handled. Operations are using the new Liebherr 420 mobile harbour cranes, which means faster and more time efficient handling.

Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber ports said: “This is a cost-effective method of ensuring we can load on to any quay in inner dock. It’s a developed and proven capability for operations to receive and load human consumption grains, which is part of our key competitiveness.”

ABP is keen to support our customers and we’re delighted that one of the first to use the new grain handling facility is Viterra, one of the UK’s leading grain marketers. The Humber is a key player in the market and our continued investment into infrastructure and equipment maintains our agility and resilience.”

Globally, Viterra is a world leading agriculture network, active in 37 countries worldwide, marketing more than 100 million metric tonnes of agricultural commodities per year. The company renewed its relationship with ABP Humber in April 2022 with the opening of a new 35,000 mt storage facility located on the ABP Humber International Terminal. This is complemented by additional storage within ABP’s Bulk Park facility located within the Port of Immingham.

Speaking of the investment, Viterra UK Managing Director James Maw said: “These combined investments provide the necessary storage for Viterra’s expanding import & export business, serving farmers and processors throughout Central and Eastern England,”

“The Panamax berth capability, combined with the excellent road network around Immingham will further add to the range and quality of services that Viterra provides to its customers.”

The Port of Immingham is suitably located in north Lincolnshire and is the largest port in the UK by volume of tonnage. It plays an important role in supporting UK supply chains for both imports and exports across Europe and beyond.

The inner dock can take cargo vessels between 4,000 and 27,500 tonnes. With an experienced ops team, strict adherence to Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops (TASCC) accreditation is another reason why customers choose us.

Already loaded to vessel and planned to load before the end of March 2023 is 75,000 tonnes handled by the new grain loading system.

The UK has a large domestic surplus of grain and to make way for the 2023 harvest, stores will need clearing to make way for the new crop, which is seeing a bumper market in agribulks. The Port of Immingham’s grain handling facility is open to deep water vessels and can operate around the clock. There is a weighbridge close to the berths, and access points for sampling the cargo adjacent to the quays.