Middlesbrough Port expands dry bulk capabilities

The Teesside port, operated by AV Dawson, is increasing the range of commodities moving through its facilities, with growing volumes of ferrous sulphate, polyhalite, petroleum coke, salt and other industrial bulk products.

The expansion reflects rising demand from customers seeking specialist ports capable of handling high-volume cargoes safely and efficiently within integrated supply chains.

“We’ve focused on building capability, from quayside discharge through to storage and multimodal distribution,” said Richard Hodgson, general manager at the Port of Middlesbrough.

“Bulk cargo is a core strength of the Port of Middlesbrough. By expanding the range of bulk materials we handle and by investing in specialist infrastructure like the bulk handling facility, rail canopy and the DockSolids, we’ve created a more flexible, sustainable and competitive bulk port for customers across the UK and international supply chains.”

As part of a sustained investment programme, the port has enhanced its dedicated dry bulk handling facilities and is constructing a new rail unloading facility capable of processing up to 500 tonnes of aggregates per hour.

Located adjacent to the port and Middlesbrough Goods Yard, the facility will provide large-scale storage capacity, weather-protected warehousing, advanced filtering and separation systems, and direct rail connectivity.

The port has also invested in infrastructure designed to improve operational efficiency and cargo protection. This includes a 100-metre rail-linked canopy that enables all-weather loading and discharge operations while protecting materials from moisture and contamination. DockSolid grab pits positioned on the quayside have also been introduced to accelerate vessel loading, reduce handling steps and minimise product loss.

Supporting the growing bulk operation is a fleet of specialist handling equipment, including high-capacity cranes capable of moving up to 3,000 tonnes per crane per day.

AV Dawson will showcase the port’s bulk, breakbulk and project cargo capabilities at Breakbulk Europe in Rotterdam from 16-18 June.