The cape-size bulker Sea Grace discharged over 113,000 tonnes of South African steam coal destined for TXU’s power station at West Burton.
The terminal, which opened for business in June last year, has to date handled well over 2 million tonnes of cargo. The arrival of Sea Grace brings the tonnage of solid fuel handled at HIT since the start of 2001 to the 1 million-tonne mark. Commodities handled have varied from solid fuels for the major electricity generators to woodpulp and lumber, mineral sand and steel.
The 300-metre-long jetty is already receiving vessels of up to 14-metre draught, the largest that can enter the River Humber.
TXU is one of an increasing number of new customers benefiting from HIT’s combination of locational advantages, unrivalled transport connections and economies of scale offered by the use of larger vessels.
The Port of Immingham’s Deputy Port Manager, Nick Palmer, said:
We are encouraged by the positive customer reaction to HIT. The new business across the terminal has boosted traffic levels through the Port of Grimsby & Immingham. Last year, the port complex handled a throughput of over 50 million tonnes for the first time.
Jonathan Moser, International Coal Supply Manager, TXU, said:
The creation of this terminal, which is on the doorstep of many of our power stations, is an efficient new logistics option for our import traffic. We have been impressed with the service and performance of ABP at HIT and look forward to more vessels like the Sea Grace visiting the terminal.
