Member Article

Port of Sunderland in rail line regeneration

Port of Sunderland, on the North East coastline, is set to have its import and export credentials bolstered, after Network Rail started the process of reconnecting its rail lines.

The port will have rail connections running right into the core of its land, after work started to reconnect rail lines, that were last used almost 20 years ago.

The project, expected to take between three and six months to complete, will see almost half a mile of rail line reconnected.

It is expected that rail traffic will recommence during the first quarter of 2015.

The port has seen its fortunes transformed in recent years, now handling more than 593,383 tonnes of cargo each year.

The addition of rail connections right in to the heart of the port will be a welcome boost for Port of Sunderland, which is establishing itself nationally and internationally.

The addition of rail connections will reportedly enable the port to compete on a greater scale, and was something that would be essential in the future.

Import and export business at the port is expected to grow again, following the announcement earlier this year that Sunderland had been successful in a bid with South Tyneside to win Government funding that will help it build an International Advanced Manufacturing Park, which will be home to automotive, offshore and other high-tech businesses.

Altogether it is projected this will eventually create more than 1,000 jobs.

Director of Port of Sunderland, Matthew Hunt, said: “Port of Sunderland really is transforming. In the last few years, we have added two new cranes – one a heavy lift crane - and a ro-ro ramp to our facilities, all things that have provided a boost to the port’s handling capabilities.

“Teaming that with improved connections will make a huge difference to the port, and we are delighted that work is underway to reconnect the rail connections.”

Leader of Sunderland City Council and chair of the port board, Councillor Paul Watson, said: “Port of Sunderland has enjoyed a real revival in recent years and is contributing positively to the city economy.

“To have a port with such strong natural assets - and boasting almost unrivalled closeness to open sea – is a real strength for Sunderland, and we need to do everything we can to maximise the economic impact it is able to have.

“The addition of rail connectivity, coupled with the arrival of a new bridge will allow the port to really take its operations to the next level. It’s a great step forward.”

Network Rail area director, Mark Tarry, said: “We are delighted to assist the port in putting its rail lines back into use.

“Network Rail is committed to supporting local economy and to promoting rail freight – both aims that will be supported by reconnecting lines into and out of the port.

“We expect that the rail lines will be fully operational and in use from 2015.

“We would like to stress to the public that the area of railway land adjacent to the port is not safe to use for walking or recreational use.”