The Port of Ipswich, renowned for its diverse range of commodities, has witnessed an unprecedented surge in activity over the past five months. The surge, which included the transportation of agribulks and construction materials, has been attributed to a bountiful harvest.
At the end of May, the MV Selecta arrived at the port from Damietta, Eqypt, carrying a cargo of approximately 13,500 tonnes of Urea Fertiliser. This marked the tipping point that propelled the port's cumulative trade volume past the million-tonne mark.
The MV Selecta was the largest fertiliser vessel to dock at the Port of Ipswich this year, and its offloading process was executed by ABP's dual-powered (electric and diesel) Mantsinen cranes.
ABP has operated the Port of Ipswich for 25 years, alongside the tenure of Clarkson's Port Services (CPS) at the port's Sentinel Terminal. Throughout this period, the port has achieved numerous significant milestones. In particular, it has held the distinction of being the UK's leading grain export port since 2004, a title it has retained year after year.
ABP said it remains committed to the port's growth and development. It has invested almost £50 million in the facility since 2012. The cumulative cargo handled by at the port between 1997 and 2022 amounts to more than 68.4 million tonnes.
Andrew Harston, Regional Director, Wales and Short Sea Ports, ABP said: “This fantastic achievement is testament to the hard-working team at ABP’s Port of Ipswich and the strong support of its customers.
“This milestone further cements Ipswich as a place of strategic national importance in relation to exports and imports, and the role the port plays in Keeping Britain Trading.
“We look forward to continuing a successful year in terms of cargo volumes so we can continue to contribute to the growth of the region’s economy.”