The two metal plate bunds can be set up on any quay on any surface; they can also be sanitised between vessel discharges meaning grain for human consumption can be handled. Operations at the port are also utilising new Liebherr 420 mobile harbour cranes, which will also help speed up the handling process.
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 - the new loading system at Immingham is expected to handle 75,000 tonnes of grain before the end of March.
ABP’s 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.”
One of the first to use the new grain handling facility is Viterra, one of the UK’s leading grain marketers. Viterra UK Managing Director James Maw said: “These combined investments provide the necessary storage for Viterra’s expanding import and 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 the largest port in the UK by volume of tonnage and plays a key role in supporting UK supply chains for both imports and exports across Europe and beyond.