In early October, Redcar Bulk Terminal (RBT) in the UK announced it has secured a series of major new contracts.
The terminal, on the south bank of the River Tees, has announced a long-term deal with Javelin Global Commodities to handle hundreds of thousands of tonnes of imported coal for use in the power generating sector.
RBT has also agreed a multi-year contract to handle large quantities of granulated blast furnace slag for construction materials supplier Hanson. The steel-making by-product is ground into a fine powder for use as a cement replacement in ready-mixed concrete.
The deals are among a number RBT has secured in recent months and they come as the terminal continues its growth following the investment by British Steel which secured a 50% stake in the business earlier this year.
The terminal had previously been used as an import facility for iron and coal before the collapse of SSI in October 2015. However, RBT continued to operate and has now started to show marked growth as it handles and stores a wide range of cargoes such as coal, pet coke, granulated blast furnace slag, aggregates and scrap.
RBT General Manager Garry O’Malley said: “The transformation of this business is remarkable, underlined by our fine start to the year and the number of new contracts we’ve secured.
“Through the dedication of our employees, and the strong customer partnerships we’ve developed, the business is growing significantly and starting to realize some of its undoubted potential.
“It’s exciting to know this is just the start for Redcar Bulk Terminal and there’s great scope to increase our customer– base, shipments and capabilities.”
A total of 79 people are employed at the terminal, which operates a 320 metre long quay capable of accommodating vessels up to 17m draught.
And O’Malley said: “We’re delighted to be working with businesses like Javelin Global Commodities and Hanson as together we feel we can have a positive impact, not only on the Teesside economy but the wider economy of the North of England.
“Strong partnerships like those we enjoy with Javelin Global Commodities and Hanson give me every confidence we’ll continue to attract more new customers and become the bulk terminal of choice for importers and exporters alike.”
British Steel’s CEO, Peter Bernscher, said: “We’ve been greatly impressed by the team at Redcar Bulk Terminal and the results they’re now delivering.
“I’d like to thank them for their efforts thus far and I’ve great confidence in their ability to continue growing the business.”
Javelin Global Commodities CEO, Peter Bradley said; “We are delighted to be able to continue to support the turnaround at RBT. The partnership of Javelin and RBT going forward will play a key role in coal imports to the power generation and cement industry in the UK in their need for low cost, flexible quality and quantity fuel supply arrangements.”
Hanson’s communications director David Weeks said: “Following the closure of the SSI works we now rely solely on imported slag to feed our Teesport grinding plant. The relationship with RBT will be critical to our business in the future.”
ABOUT REDCAR BULK TERMINAL
Redcar Bulk Terminal Limited (RBT) is situated on the South Bank of the River Tees on the North East coast of the United Kingdom.
The terminal is a member of the Association of Bulk Terminal Operators.
RBT operates a 320-metre-long quay which can accommodate vessels up to 17 metres draught and is equipped with two ship-unloaders which can operate on grab or hook for bulk or conventional cargoes respectively.
It is HMRC-approved for the storage of un-cleared goods and enjoys direct rail access to the National Rail Network along with excellent road links to both the A19 and A1(M) roadways.
The facility operates 24 hours a day all year round and the terminal is equipped to handle rail traffic with separate wagon load and offload bulk handling equipment.
Key imports include coal, petroleum coke, granulated slag and aggregates while key exports include metallurgical coke and furnace-ready scrap.