PD Ports, owner and operator of Teesport, recently celebrated the first anniversary since the unveiling of its state-of-the-art Teesport Bulks terminal.

Officially unveiled at the height of the COVID19 pandemic in an innovative virtual ceremony broadcast live, the Teesport Bulks Terminal marked a milestone not only for PD ports, but for the Valley of Tees as a whole.

The multi-million pound bulk handling facility, which created 44 new permanent jobs, was opened by then Minister of Regional Growth and Local Government Simon Clarke MP and marked the resumption of the Bulk cargo handling in Teesside after the steel mill collapsed in 2015.

Now, as PD Ports marks the first anniversary of the Teesport Bulks Terminal, the port is celebrating a 60% increase in bulk cargo volumes handled through the new facility with more than two million tonnes handled in the first year since its opening. opening, including two record breaking months.

CEO Frans Calje said: “It’s fantastic to see the successful transformation of Teesport’s bulk handling infrastructure with this new facility, which is supported by our growing customer base.

“Having a 60% growth in bulk handling volumes during an exceptionally difficult 12 months, during which we also entered into three long-term agreements on the facility, is a testament to our continued investment and our continued commitment to deliver. the upgrade program. for the North.

“The fact that such established and world-renowned companies within the industry choose PD Ports as a critical partner in their supply chains further strengthens our proven delivery history and demonstrates the confidence that global companies have in our port facilities and in our region. “

After entering into a third long-term agreement to secure the remaining bay within the 300,000 square feet. Teesport Bulks Terminal in May, PD Ports is now stepping up plans to expand the facility, signifying its ambitions to seize new business opportunities and secure new long-term private investment to elevate the River Tees and become the port region most prosperous in the UK by 2050..

Maritime Minister Robert Courts said: “It is fantastic to see PD Ports celebrate a 60% increase in freight volumes despite the challenges the sector has faced over the past year.

“The Teesport terminal is a vital hub that creates jobs in the region, supports the maritime sector as a whole, and helps us with our goals to rebuild better after the pandemic.”

Mary Lanigan, Redcar & Cleveland Council Leader, said: “This huge investment from PD Ports shows their confidence in our region as we continue to attract industry and businesses around the world.

“It’s great to see their ambition paying off with three long-term agreements with international customers and excellent growth rates for the port. This is vital for creating high quality jobs as we move towards prosperity in the years and decades to come and I am delighted that there are plans for further expansion. I congratulate everyone involved on their ambition and success and wish them even more success in the future.

Redcar MP Jacob Young said: “One year later, the continued success of the Teesport Bulks Terminal is a testament to the confidence of PD Ports’ investment in Teesside.

“Despite opening during one of the most difficult years in living memory, the port has seen supercharged bulk cargoes at Teesside.

“Coupled with the UK’s largest free port and a plan to create 18,000 jobs over the next five years, we are helping to improve our region.

“This is fantastic news for Teesside. It means more jobs, more prosperity and growing investments in our region.”