Tyne cargo hits highest volumes in 50 years

The Port of Tyne has broken its cargo handling and passenger numbers records after reporting its highest cargo volumes for over 50 years.

8.1 million tonnes of cargo passed through the Port during 2013, the largest volume since 1965, and a 22% increase on 2012.

Imported coal totalled 5 million tonnes and wood pellets reached 1 million tonnes - both were at their highest levels ever recorded.

The number of passengers using the Port’s International Passenger Terminal at North Shields set new records for both the daily Amsterdam route operated by DFDS and for cruise passengers.

A total of 625,000 passengers, up 4%, travelled through the Terminal. This included 64,000 passengers from the 32 cruise ships that called into the Port in 2013.

The number of cars handled through the Port’s three car terminals was 640,000, a slight decrease on last year’s record of 670,000. Nissan exports and VW / Audi imports remain strong, and the year on year movement reflects the relative demand for new cars in the UK versus overseas markets.

Andrew Moffat, CEO, Port of Tyne, said: “Activity levels in 2013 have underpinned our strategy for growth and upholds our decision to aim for further expansion going forwards.

“We have continued to invest heavily in the Port and in the workforce to help us achieve our aim of further growth and business expansion in the context of increasing competition in the UK port sector.

“We have been exceptionally busy in response to global markets, in particular to meet the demand for coal and wood pellet for our UK power station customers, and we have maintained our share of the market in all our other business areas.

“Being this busy does of course bring with it challenges, especially for our personnel who have responded magnificently throughout a period of organisational development and change.

“I am expecting a strong set of financial results but our year on year performance will be negatively impacted by the significant investment in wood pellet development costs, crane repair costs and the associated impact on productivity.

“Overall we are pleased with activity levels and gratified that we can continue to contribute positively to the region’s economy with the continued support of our partners, customers, employees and other stakeholders.”

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