TRAFFIC UP AT PORT NOU

Lloyd’s List reports that port operators and regional development agencies in the north of England are calling for a delay on three outstanding applications to build additional facilities in the south (London Gateway, Felixstowe South and Bathside Bay) until alternative schemes are considered in other parts of the country. They want a broader approach to planning, says the paper.

Barcelona’s Terminal Port Nou boosted traffic in 2004 by 9.33% to 1.37m tonnes. Terminal director Juan Manuel Murcia expects growth to continue in 2005 especially in the handling of fruit. Box traffic last year rose 13.78% to 70,310 TEUs.