APB's ports of Ipswich and King’s Lynn have continued to play a key role in keeping agricultural products moving to businesses and farmers in East Anglia. Since the lockdown started on 23rd March, the Port of Ipswich has handled nearly 1.2 million tonnes of cargo and following the discharge of over 13,000 tonnes from MV Sten Bergen in September, its cargo-handling total has reached over 1.6 million tonnes this year. Paul Ager, ABP divisional port manager – East Coast, said: “Over the summer months alone, our Ports of King’s Lynn and Ipswich have welcomed 56 vessels, which have exported nearly 200,000 tonnes of agricultural products. This is a truly impressive amount and I would like to thank our teams on the ground and our customers for working hard to keep cargo flows moving efficiently.”
Since July, the Port of Ipswich has handled a significant flow of products for agricultural customers such as barley, maize, soya and wheat, including over 120,000 tonnes for Clarksons and more than 152,000 tonnes for COFCO. Recent transport department figures have confirmed the Port of Ipswich’s status as the UK’s number one export port for agricultural products.
Andrew Harston, ABP Wales and short sea ports director, said: “We are looking forward to continued high import levels in the coming months. We have the right infrastructure and expertise to help our customers meet their goals and keep trade flowing.”