PD Ports is continuing to demonstrate versatility and flexibility at its Teesport Bulks Quay, welcoming a new flow of coal cargoes through the terminal in the last 12 months and delivering major successes for customers.
A result of continued commitment to innovation, the port operator has already vastly enhanced discharge rates in the year following the first vessel arrival, using eco-hoppers, matched cranes and integrated onward logistics solutions to maximize efficiencies.
This reflects the benefits of PD Ports’ ongoing programme of upgrading handling equipment in line with customer requirements and a drive towards sustainability without compromizing on the seamless service customers require.
IMPROVING EFFICIENCY
PD Ports, through its experienced workforce, challenged the original configurations used on the initial coal shipment into Tees Bulks Quay with the belief that further improvements could be recognized for its customer, M&G Solid Fuels.
The Lady Monica arrived in February 2025 carrying 27,502 tonnes and completed discharge in 108 berth hours; an average of 254 tonnes per hour through periods of harsh weather, using smaller grabs discharging directly into tipper trucks.
For the mv Angele, which came into Teesport in January 2026, a new configuration was introduced, using larger grabs combined with PD Ports’ Liebherr electric-hydraulic rail-mounted crane to discharge through eco-hoppers.
The 45,075 tonne shipment was safely and effectively discharged in just 114 berth hours –– a rate of 395 tonnes per hour –– offering huge enhancement in turnaround time.
Michael Parker, Commercial Director – Bulks, said “The contrast between the two configurations was a deliberate action on our part. “Direct-to-wagon flows can be optimal for certain parcels and weather windows, while hopper-led flows can deliver steadier rates and tighter environmental control.”
ON-GOING INVESTMENT
Investment in the Teesport Bulks quay in recent years includes two £9m Liebherr electric-hydraulic cranes which can lift 140 tonnes (with a third on order to arrive imminently) plus self-propelled eco-hoppers. The aim is to improve productivity and cut vessel time in the port. The Buttimer eco-hoppers sustain high throughputs while minimizing dust –– improving visibility and general housekeeping on the quay and helping terminals to meet tightening environmental regulations. Tees Dock’s eco hoppers have a two-stage inlet, wind-shielding shrouds and reverse jet-filtration to capture dust and recycle fine particles back into the product stream.
“The investment in Tees Bulks means our operatives have flexibility about grab selection and can set up to match the needs of specific situations,” explained Michael. “On the day, grab selection is just as important as the crane behind it. Larger, well-matched grabs maximize the fill factor and reduce cycle count, while smaller grabs can be the right choice for certain products or the layout of a particular vessel’s hold. “The eco-hoppers further boost performance and are designed to match crane/grab performance with the ability to discharge either to conveyor or direct to truck.”
LAST MILE LOGISTICS
While PD Ports has demonstrated that innovation in handling solutions can provide enhanced discharge speeds, bottlenecks can still occur if the supporting rail or road infrastructure can’t keep up. PD Ports’ port-centric offering –– which includes a recent £1m investment in an in-house bulks tipper fleet accredited for food/feed flows –– aims to align ship-side performance with dependable onward transport to turn vessels fast and support customers distribution.
Michael added that “Across Teesport Bulks Quay we’ve looked at the range of commodities we handle and we’ve targeted investment in equipment and people in the right places to lift discharge performance across the board. “Our work with the initial coal flows proves the value of flexibility and having the right equipment for the right job. Our discharge rates are only going to improve as the flows continue.
“Customers tell us they value efficiency, careful handling of the product and reduced vessel times in port. At Teesport Bulks Quay we’re in a position to achieve those aims, while also reducing the environmental impacts.”
PD PORTS BULKS OPERATIONS – FURTHER INFO
PD Ports’ flexible operations ensure its locations at Teesport, Hartlepool and the Humber can handle metals, aggregates, coal, recyclates, agribulks, construction materials, waste products, forest products and biomass. With three berths all at 14.5m LAT, the Tees Bulks Quay has the capacity to support panamax vessels carrying vast amounts of cargo either to or from the continent and beyond.
PD Ports’ Liebherr electric hydraulic cranes at Teesport offer 140 tonnes lifting capacity, providing flexible solutions and the capacity to perform tandem lifts for more complex and heavy project cargo. Each site offers extensive storage and handling options, with covered and open warehousing available, as well as temporary storage duty suspension or the option of bonded facilities. Added-value services include processing, bagging, screening, cargo handling and in-house logistics. Many of the company’s sites hold specialist waste licences to handle, store and transport bulk cargo direct from the port.