Port of Sunderland sees record rise in cargo imports

According to figures released today (February 15), 2017 saw record levels of cargo handled at Port of Sunderland.

The municipally-owned port, which celebrated 300 years in operation last year, saw a 13 per cent uplift in tonnage passing through its docks compared to 2016, with figures now standing at well over 800,000 tonnes.

The record performance, which has seen cargo handled more than double since port director Matthew Hunt took to the helm in 2010, has contributed to another successful year for Port of Sunderland.

This follows a programme of extensive investment that has unlocked the port’s commercial potential and established it as an intermodal hub, capable of supporting various industries.

Mr Hunt, working with owners Sunderland City Council, has made a number of strategic purchases that have enabled its growth.

This has included the purchase of two cranes; improvements to the port estate; the addition of warehousing capacity and improvements to modal connectivity. This is set to be further enhanced with the opening of the Northern Spire bridge in the Spring.

Mr Hunt said: “It’s been another fantastic year at Port of Sunderland. It’s great news for our customers too.

“We handle import and export volume on behalf of a wide basket of North East industrial concerns, and they have recognised that Sunderland, as a location, is ideal for them, to support their needs. As we continue to invest, they will continue to reap the benefits.”

The figures increase is another positive indicator for a port that is now gearing up to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead thanks to improved road infrastructure, rail connectivity and the arrival of the International Advanced Manufacturing Park, near Nissan.

Hunt added: “When I came to the port in 2010, I could see that there was vast potential, with some strategic investment, to really transform it.

“And with a wider programme of huge infrastructure projects underway in the city, that will lead to an even more buoyant economy, this is only the beginning of what we can achieve.”

Councillor Harry Trueman, deputy leader of Sunderland City Council, commented: “The economic picture in the city is changing at a rate not seen for decades, with £1.3bn of public/private sector investment being pumped in right now.

“The momentum that the port is gathering, and the investment we are putting into it, is gearing it up to take an increasingly active role in supporting our importing and exporting businesses, so the increase we are seeing in its handling performance is no coincidence.

“We are delighted for Matthew and his team at the port.”

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