Fertiliser manufacturer Brineflow has started construction of the second phase of amajor terminal at Port of Sunderland.
Following the opening of its multimillion-pound storage and distribution facility last year, the producer of liquid nitrogen products has started expansion of the site which is said to become one of Europe's largest dedicated liquid fertiliser terminals.
The move means Brineflow - which has invested more than £5m in Port of Sunderland in the past year - will increase its handling and storage capacity by almost a third.
Read more: British Steel submits plans for £26m Special Profiles site expansion
John Fuller, chairman of Brineflow, said: “Fertilisers form the foundations of a global food chain. For the last 30 years, Britain has become increasingly reliant on Russian gas to produce its fertilisers as factories in western Europe have ceased production.
“The dramatic expansion of our new terminal will not only make it one of Europe’s largest liquid fertiliser terminals, it will open us up to the largest ship tankers from global markets instead of smaller vessels that are restricted to European ports.
“Our investment will make a substantial contribution to the food security of our nation and will place Sunderland at the crossroads of international supply lines that keep our country fed.”
Great Yarmouth-based Brineflow identified the port due to its strategic location on the east coast and its access to key transport links.
Mr Fuller added: “We’ve been delighted by the reception to our phase one development which opened in August. Farmers from the Humber to the Borders have gained new sources of supply and we’ve been delighted to use a range of contractors including local hauliers.
“It’s all given us the confidence to build one of Europe’s largest dedicated liquid fertiliser import terminals right here in Sunderland. It will set new standards for environmental efficiency and emission control whilst allowing the largest ships to bring this crucial national ingredient to our shores reducing Britain’s reliance on Russian gas.”
Matthew Hunt, director at Port of Sunderland, said: “Over recent years, we’ve invested tens of millions of pounds into the port to make it investor-ready and Brineflow is a perfect example of the calibre of organisation we’re now able to attract.
“What the company is building here at the port is positioning Sunderland at the heart of the global liquid fertiliser industry and we’re delighted to have been able to work with them on this ambitious project.
“Recent fertiliser supply issues have exposed a key fragility in the UK agricultural sector and this development will play a significant role in alleviating the pressures on Britain’s farmers and growers.”
