New era for Port of Sunderland
Issue: Winter 2010
Port of Sunderland approaching its tricentenary
As the Port of Sunderland approaches its tricentenary as a harbour authority, the North East Coast port is set to enter an exciting new era as it intensifies efforts to realise its true potential. Sunderland City Council has now provided the UK’s second-largest municipal port with a clear sense of direction, aimed at building on core businesses and realising new opportunities for growth.
Port manager, Captain Ian Duncan, said: “Although there has been some uncertainty over the port’s future in recent years, the city council has now made a clear long-term commitment, which will see the port remaining in municipal hands. With the appointment of a new port director and board in line with Municipal Ports Best Practice, together with implementation of a business improvement plan, we aim to consolidate and improve upon recent achievements by sustaining a commercially successful and financially self-sustainable business operation.”
Investment in port facilities is seen as crucial to securing the port’s long-term viability, with additional craneage and warehousing facilities having recently augmented the port’s comprehensive cargo handling, storage and distribution capabilities.
Centrally located in relation to Scandinavian and continental sea routes, the Port of Sunderland has excellent links to the national and regional roadrail infrastructure; with key international airports being within easy reach. The port’s rail system also provides an ideal solution for clients requiring a cost-effective and greener alternative to road haulage. Besides trading internationally in commodities such as forest products, bulk cargoes, non-ferrous metals, steel, project cargoes and maritime cranes, the port is committed to expanding its growing portfolio by attracting fresh business.
Captain Duncan added: “Customers considering shipping cargoes through Sunderland can be assured that every effort will be made to accommodate their needs.”
Reinstatement of locking facilities for shipping using the docks and procurement of a new fleet of forklift trucks are just two examples of how the port is responding to customer requirements. With a fully flexible, well-trained and highly qualified workforce, the port has earned a deserved reputation for delivering high quality service and rapid turnaround times in cargo handling.
Besides an extensive multi-use impounded dock complex, the port boasts 24/7 access to deepwater river berths close to the open sea, for which pilotage is generally non-compulsory. Being ideally suited to support North Sea oil, gas and renewable energy projects, the port was chosen as a centre for offshore operations by a world-leading subsea engineering and construction company in 2009.
Within a secure 106-hectare estate, port tenants undertake a wide range of port, maritime and industrial activities, with land and premises being available on attractive lease terms to businesses operating within these sectors. Ship repair, marine engineering and dry-docking facilities are also maintained within South Docks and upriver at Pallion.
Despite challenging times in the global economy, Sunderland City Council has adopted a far-sighted approach by recognising the port’s status as a key asset to the city. The successful outcome of this strategy will undoubtedly play a major role in supporting inward investment and urban regeneration, leading to the city’s global profile being raised as a centre for commercial growth.
For further information, visit: http://www.portofsunderland.org.uk/
Published: 21/01/2010
