Portico‘s successful diversification strategy is continuing to drive new types of cargo to Portsmouth with paper, agribulks, containers and project cargo all passing through Portsmouth this month.
For the first time, 22,000 pallets of printer paper were unloaded for distribution across the UK, as well as 36 large steel pipes - cargo which was bound for the HS2 project. Handling new types of cargo reinforces Portico’s reputation as project cargo specialists, with links directly to the UK motorway network and closer to the main shipping lanes.
Investment in modern equipment, including mobile harbour cranes which can handle tandem lifts of up to 250 tonnes, means Portico can handle a wide range of specialist cargo.
Alongside this, Portsmouth has also seen two vessels load up with over 7,000 tonnes of agribulks for export to continental Europe. Working with partners at Portsmouth International Port, spare berth capacity was used to facilitate the loading of these ships whilst Portico’s conventional berths have been occupied by other customers.
Steve Williams, Operations Director at Portico said:
“Over the past few years we’ve continued to to diversify the types of cargo we can handle here at the terminal. The investments we have made alongside our dedicated workforce mean that we are incredibly flexible.
“We can move from handling containers to specialist project cargo in the blink of an eye, and being next to the M275 means that freight can be on the road in minutes”.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, who own Portico added:
“I’m delighted to see Portico continue to establish themselves as a multi-use terminal which can be used for a wide range of vessels.
“In terms of CO2 emissions per tonne of cargo transported one kilometre, shipping is recognised as the most efficient form of commercial transport. So, by shifting cargo from road to the sea and getting it closer to where it needs to be using regional terminals like Portico, offers significant environmental benefits.”
Attend Coastlink 2022 to hear all the latest news on the benefits of moving freight by short sea and feeder services. Learn about the current opportunities for the market and how short sea shipping can add resilience and efficiency to your supply chain. Representatives from Portico are signed up for the conference so there will be opportunities to discuss during the event.
Taking place on 11 & 12 May 2022 at the Port of Antwerp – visit the Coastllink website to book your place today!