Peel Ports Logistics agrees biomass vessel agency deal with Drax

(Posted on 02/02/24)

Peel Ports Logistics has signed a deal to become renewable energy specialist Drax’s new shipping agency service provider for vessels importing biomass into Liverpool.

The leading shipping and freight forwarder will support the arrival of all Drax’s ships from locations such as North America into the Port of Liverpool’s £100m biomass terminal. The renewable fuel is then transported onto Drax Power Station, near Selby in North Yorkshire, the UK’s single largest generator of renewable electricity.

Peel Ports Logistics welcomed the Aikaterini bulk carrier, the first of many vessels under their representation as vessel agent, to the port of Liverpool this month. As part of the deal, the company will welcome approximately 50 vessels per year into the port, each holding up to 50,000 tonnes of biomass.

The services provided to Drax will include supporting logistics around the arrival of the power specialist’s vessels and crew, as well as customs clearance.

Sebastian Gardiner, Managing Director at Peel Ports Logistics, said: “Everyone at Peel Ports Logistics is proud to have been chosen as Drax’s new shipping agency.

“The agreement is a testament to the knowledge and experience of our teams, and a real vote of confidence to start 2024.

“The wider Peel Ports Group already has a great working relationship with Drax, and we look forward to building on that partnership in the months ahead.”

Mark Gibbens, Head of Logistics at Drax, said: “Our new partnership with Peel Port Logistics strengthens Drax’s global supply chain, ensuring we help keep the lights on for millions of British households and businesses for many more years to come.

“The biomass brought ashore at ports such as Liverpool strengthens the UK’s national energy security and supports thousands of jobs right across the country.”

The biomass handling facility at the Port of Liverpool opened in 2016, with pellets safely stored at one of three purpose-built silos once they are unloaded from their vessels.

The port handles up to 3m tonnes of imported biomass a year from around the world, with the sustainable fuel then transported by train every day from Liverpool to power the plant in Selby.