UK port sees its busiest period in 25 years with renewables handling
Published by Harleigh Hobbs,
Editor
World Coal,
Associated British Port’s (ABP) Port of Ayr, in Scotland, has recorded one of its busiest days in the last 25 years, with five vessels calling at the port last Thursday on 18 August 2016.
It was one of the busiest weeks in Ayr in a generation, with 10 vessels calling at the port during the course of the week– four of those for renewable energy projects.
The last time the port saw this level of activity was when 1.1 million t of opencast coal was exported through Ayr in 1991.
ABP reported that as the UK energy industry transitions to renewable energy sources, the boost in ship numbers has been a result of growing demand to serve wind farm projects underway in the south-west of Scotland.
The 18 August saw the port become a hub of activity with five ships calling in Ayr, each accommodating different cargoes, such as onshore wind turbine components, coal exports and timber discharge.
In the past week, wind turbine components were delivered for three separate renewable energy projects.
Port Manager for Ayr and Troon Stuart Cresswell said: “Along with our traditional agribulk and mineral business, the wind turbine contracts we have secured this year have provided a fantastic boost to the port and all our local supporting contractors and suppliers.”
ABP Short Sea Ports Director Andrew Harston added: “Following our success in supporting additional cruise calls this year, we are now actively supporting the development of more renewable power in south-west Scotland.”
“The location of ABP’s Ayrshire ports places them in close proximity to these onshore wind farms. The Ports of Ayr and Troon are equipped and ready to work with renewable energy companies to serve their projects,” he continued. “This has been a strong period for our two Scottish ports. ABP is continually investing in the ports to underpin the important regional role they fulfil in serving the needs of the Ayrshire region and the west coast of Scotland.”
Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/handling/25082016/uk-port-sees-busiest-period-in-25-years-with-renewables-handling-2308/
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