Steel distributor takes to water
ASD Metal Services is swapping tarmac for H2O in an effort to save the planet and reduce costs.
The multi-metal stockholder and distributor is making use of Yorkshire’s extensive canal network by shipping structural steel via barges rather than trucks.
Its decision follows the completion of a successful three week trial, which saw more than 200 tonnes from Whartons Grove Wharf on the Humber to Stourton Point in Leeds. The equivalent of 80 articulated truck journeys were saved as a result of the trial.
The trial followed a review of ASD’s structural steel stock and supply chain arrangements, resulting in the expansion of its Leeds operation by a further 8.5 acres, part of which borders the Aire & Calder Navigation.
ASD, which is part of international Klöckner & Co group, currently transports more than 60,000 tones of structural steel from Corus’ Scunthorpe Mill and Humber Ports & Wharfs, all of which could now be transferred from road to water transport.
According to the company’s estimates this could save them 137,581 litres of diesel per annum, which at £1.22 a litre equals £167,850. Environmentally it could reduce carbon emissions by 300 tonnes a year.
David Cox, ASD’s group operations manager, said that bringing in steel from the Humber ports directly into Leeds was a much more environmentally friendly solution.
“One Aire and Calder Navigation barge carries up to 600 tonnes, so it can take the place of 24 articulated lorries. I suppose you could call it greener steel,” he added.
It hasn’t all been plain sailing for the distributor however. Despite receiving full support from Whartons Grove Wharf and British Waterways’ freight champion Stuart McKenzie the lack of suitable barges almost scuppered the trial.
But with the support of the commercial Boat Operators Association and member Robert Wynn & Sons, ASD metal services was able to charter its barge – Inland Navigator – and international barge master Peter Hugman.
Martin Joyce, ASD’s chief executive, said that trial reinforced the company’s aim to provide customers with value for money and innovative solutions delivered in a “safe and environmentally-friendly manner”.
