The port of Blyth, UK, has started a GBP3 million (USD3.75 million) redevelopment project at the Bates Terminal site, which includes the development of an additional heavy lift quay.

The quay at Bates Terminal will be rebuilt and strengthened, and 1 km of road is being installed to improve access. Considerable earthworks are under way to level the development site.

Martin Lawlor, chief executive of port of Blyth said: "While the reconstruction of the quay will provide increased flexibility and availability at a time when demand is high, the earthworks on site will open up exciting opportunities for redevelopment on areas of the existing terminal and recently acquired land.”

Once completed, the works will unlock 6 ha of quayside land onsite and provide an additional heavy lift quay. The land development opportunity is expected to generate interest from a range of sectors including offshore wind/renewables and liquid bulks, said the port. The development works should complete by November 2020.

Andrew Hodgson, chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “The Bates Terminal is one of the North East LEP area’s enterprise zones, which are strategically important sites that will help support our aim of creating more and better jobs in the region.

“Our GBP2.85 million (USD3.56 million) investment alongside the port of Blyth will help to further cement Blyth and the wider region as a key location for the offshore and subsea sectors, whilst also offering port customers across a range of sectors additional growth opportunities.”

portofblyth.co.uk