Laden with 76,195 tonnes of coal, the Alam Pesona sailed in to Port yesterday, smashing the record for the largest cargo on the Tyne previously set by sister ship Alam Penting.
The ship has travelled from New Orleans (Louisiana) and taken 18 days to reach the Port of Tyne without stopping, covering a distance of 4,800 nautical miles.
The Port invested £5 million in deepening the river last year making it possible to handle 83% of the world’s global fleet of cargo vessels. Steven Harrison, Port of Tyne Chief Operating Officer said: “ Developments in the energy sector remain central to the Port of Tyne’s business development and coal remains an important part of the Ports business.”
The handling and transportation of coal has also been supported by significant investment in rail infrastructure, with additional capacity created by the re-opening of a section of rail track known as the Boldon East Curve. This means trains leaving the Port are routed more efficiently to the East Coast Main Line, making onward transportation to the Port’s power generating customers faster and more cost effective.
Coal has traditionally been an important cargo to the Tyne since the 16th Century, exported to every corner of the globe. In 2004 coal began to be imported in significant volumes and in 2011 over 2 million tonnes of coal was imported via the Port of Tyne.
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Dredging Today Staff, May 15, 2012; Image: portoftyne