Investment boosts port’s capacity
Associated British Ports (ABP) has grown its capacity to store refrigerated containers at the Port of Hull.
The installation of two new Reefer Gantries at the Humber Container Terminal on the port has now been completed. The Reefer Gantries have increased the terminal’s capacity by an additional 64 reefers.
Reefers are refrigerated containers which are used to transport perishable goods. They use an integral refrigeration unit that keeps the goods inside at an optimum temperature.
The unit is supplied with power from the vessel or vehicle during transit, and upon reaching the port it is transferred to the Reefer Gantry which supplies power to the unit whilst the reefer awaits onward shipment.
The two new Reefer Gantries allows reefers on the terminal to be stacked four high, enabling the terminal to save valuable ground space, which in turn increases its storage capacity for other types of containers.
An ABP spokesman said: “As the COVID-19 crisis continues, now more than ever this expansion will help support the flow of perishable goods into the UK such as food and medicine.
“The works cost in the region of £500,000 and were carried out by engineering solutions specialist C Spencer Ltd, who subcontracted the fabrication of the steelwork for the gantries to Riley Engineering.
“This investment is set to benefit ABP customers, BG Freight Line, I – MOTION Shipping, and SAMSKIP, and will help to reduce the reliance on third party generators.”
Simon Bird, director of ABP Humber, said: “ABP has been investing heavily in the container infrastructure on the Port of Hull since 2018. This new facility will add further resource to support our customers, as the UK container market here on the Humber continues to grow.”
ABP is also improving the Humber Container Terminal facilities on the Port of Immingham, with an investment of £33m to modernise equipment and increase container storage space.
Earlier this year the port welcomed six, new electric rubber tyre gantry cranes, like those already on the Port of Hull. More equipment is set to arrive by sea later this year.
