Port shows its mettle with decommissioning hub

Situated at Corporation and Greenwells Quays, the new base will have access to 540 metres of deepwater berths, allowing a range of cargos to be handled.

The decommissioning facility will also have the use of multiple heavy-lift Liebherr 420 cranes, two of which have the capability to perform tandem lifts of up to 240 tonnes.

The North Sea Transition Authority predicts that decommissioning expenditure within the UK continental shelf will reach more than £2.5 billion per year in the next two decades.

“There is huge demand for the decommissioning of oil and gas apparatus and equipment and Port of Sunderland is perfectly placed to capitalise on this,” said Jordan Bell, managing director of Northern Metal Recycling.

“By teaming up with the port, we will not only benefit from utilising its deep-water berths and leading-edge handling equipment, but we will also be able to take on significantly larger projects.”

Northern Metal Recycling is headquartered in Shildon, County Durham, where it operates a 15 acre (6 ha) metal recycling plant.

It was the close proximity of the site to Port of Sunderland, and the port’s ability to transport goods by rail, road and sea, which drove its decision to invest in the North Sea hub.

The port of Sunderland has attracted significant investment from companies operating within the circular economy over recent years, with Northern Metal Recycling the latest to partner with the North Sea hub.

“Over recent years, we’ve carved out a real reputation for supporting businesses operating in the circular economy and helping bring more businesses to the region, and this is yet another great example of that,” said Sven Richards, commercial manager at Port of Sunderland.

“The port is quickly establishing itself as a world leader in offshore wind and green energy.”