Peel Medway invests to support Kent grain

(Posted on 16/08/18)

Peel Ports London Medway has completed a significant investment programme into its grain facilities at the Port of Sheerness, strengthening its existing proposition for Kent’s established grain market. Peel Ports Group is the UK’s second largest port group, owning and operating six of the UK’s most important ports.

Over the past 12 months Peel Ports has invested a total of £5.4m to upgrade its handling and storage facilities at the south east port, increasing its import/export capacity and capability.

This includes the refurbishment of warehousing into TASCC accredited grain storage and the installation of a state-of-the-art elevator/conveyor to ensure vessel loading operations conform to high industry standards when handling food products.

Additionally, the investment has enabled the purchase of new Liebherr LHM 280 Craneage, which will enhance quayside productivity and increase import and export capabilities at the port.

Peel Ports has also invested heavily in specialised operational training for employees to ensure optimal storage and handling processes.

In a strong harvest year, the UK’s south east farmers produce an estimated two million tonnes of wheat and 240,000 tonnes of barley. The investment by Peel Ports in its Medway facilities now put it in a prime position to export any surplus grain supply in the region to destinations around the world.

Richard Goffin, Port Director at Peel Ports London Medway, said “Since we opened our grain facilities at Sheerness in 2016, we have been constantly investing in new ways to transform our grain import and export capabilities to better support farmers in Kent, Sussex and the south east.

“This latest round of investment will offer improved facilities for farmers importing and exporting grain from Kent and provide a more efficient and cost-effective route to market.

“It also bolsters our 20-year master plan for growth at Sheerness which will enable us to diversify our offering and ensure sustainable growth, further investment and jobs creation at the port.”

Peel Ports’ 20-year Master Plan for growth at the Port of Sheerness, outlines a commitment to the sustainable expansion of the port, including improvements in transportation and access as well as increased socio-economic benefits for the region.