PD Ports has opened a new multi-million-pound marine facility at Cargo Fleet Wharf, within Teesport Commerce Park in Middlesbrough, UK.
The three-storey building brings the company’s marine operations and engineering teams together at one location. It replaces facilities at Vulcan Street that had been in use since the 1960s.
The investment will support the safe movement of vessels along the River Tees and at the Port of Hartlepool.
New facilities improve vessel maintenance
The new building includes a specialist workshop for maintaining and repairing marine vessels. For the first time, PD Ports can lift smaller vessels directly from the river onto the quay and move them indoors for maintenance.
This will provide safer working conditions for engineers and make repairs more efficient.
PD Ports designed and delivered much of the project through its own engineering teams, working with local suppliers where needed.
As the Statutory Harbour Authority, the company is responsible for keeping the River Tees and the Port of Hartlepool safe for navigation.
Its marine teams carry out dredging, hydrographic surveys, maintenance of navigational aids and oil spill response operations. Their work helps keep shipping channels open and supports commercial vessels and terminal operators.
Investment supports River Tees operations
“The River Tees is a major economic asset for our region and our responsibility to it extends far beyond our own operations at Teesport,” said Paul Foreman, Chief Executive Officer at PD Ports.
He said the company would continue investing in the infrastructure and expertise needed to maintain safe navigation.
The new facility is part of PD Ports’ wider investment in marine operations. The company has also invested £23 million in the Emerald Duchess, which forms part of its marine fleet.
The Port of Tees and Hartlepool is the sixth-largest port in the UK by cargo volume and the largest in North East England.
