Port of Liverpool owner Peel Ports acquires new shipping terminal for the import and export of bulk products. Tony McDonough reports

Peel Ports has extended its UK footprint with the acquisition of HES Humber Bulk Terminal on the east coast of England.

It has acquired the business from specialist bulk terminals operator, HES International, which is based in Rotterdam. This deal means Peel Ports now operates across eight key locations in the UK and Ireland.

Liverpool, where the company is based, remains its main terminal and it also operates facilities at Heysham, Manchester Ship Canal, London Medway,  Clydeport, Great Yarmouth and a container terminal in Dublin.

This latest addition, located on the south bank of the Humber Estuary, will be operated by Peel Ports Logistics, division of Peel Ports Group.

The acquisition marks Peel Ports Logistics’ third UK presence and its first on the East Coast. Its other operations are located in the North West, at Runcorn and Ellesmere Port. The division is led by managing director, Sebastian Gardiner.

Built for the handling and storage of a variety of dry bulk products, the Humber terminal has an open storage capacity of 6,200 sq metres and a covered storage facility of 275,000 sq metres. It handles imports and exports of bulk products.

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The HES Humber Bulk Terminal currently employs 29 people, all of whom will be retained as part of the acquisition.

Claudio Veritiero, chief executive of Peel Ports Group, said: “The acquisition of HES Humber Bulk Terminal is an important investment for Peel Ports Group, expanding our presence into the east of England and bringing Peel Ports Logistics’ ‘One-Stop-Shop’ service to the east coast.

“The modern facilities at HES Humber Bulk Terminal guarantee fast and efficient loading and unloading of vessels and trucks, while the excellent water and road connections enable quick and smooth operations.”