Port buoyed by busy year

[Whickham]

Port buoyed by busy year

Port of Sunderland has reported a large increase in activity with traffic into its docks increasing by 84 per cent year on year.

In the year to 31 March 2012, 450 commercial vessels arrived at the port, an increase from the 245 during the same period in the previous year.

The business said the increased activity underlined a "step change" following the launch of a growth plan almost two years ago.

Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council and chairman of the Port of Sunderland's board, said that the increased traffic coming into the banks of the Wear was testament to the hard work of the port's management team, who have set out a strategy for growth.

"Sunderland is growing its reputation as a flexible, forward-thinking port, and one that can work with its customers to meet their needs efficiently – and the increased activity we are seeing is a vote of confidence in what we do," said Watson.

Port director Matthew Hunt said the achievements of the port were down to a growth plan that focuses on five key areas of business: bulk cargo; project and unitized cargo, ship repair and marine engineering; North Sea oil and gas industry support; and offshore renewable and subsea engineering.

The strategy has helped the port attract business from clients that are involved with existing round two offshore renewable projects and that are likely to be involved in the greater scale projects in the forthcoming round three.

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