The Port of Blyth has hailed its highest turnover in its 140-year history thanks to major offshore wind deals won by its main port operating business.
The Northumberland port is home to a number of global offshore energy companies and hosts high-profile projects connected to North Sea oil, gas and renewables operations.
Port directors revealed turnover grew to £25.5m, 15% up on last year, at its Annual Public Meeting which was held as a hybrid event – in person and streamed online – for the first time in two years.
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Group operating profit also grew by 64% to £2.1m, driven by the port landing two major offshore wind related contracts in 2021. Its wholly-owned forwarding and logistics subsidiary, Transped, also contributed a record £500,000 profit to the year.
Overall volume of cargo handled in the year increased to 0.7m tonnes, despite the port increasing its focus on servicing offshore energy vessels rather than handling more traditional cargo.
Port chiefs highlighted the 32% increase of berth use during the year as a more useful performance statistic and another sign of significant growth.
Container handling at the Port’s South Harbour terminal grew to the highest figure since Transped was established in 1997, while the commitment of the Port’s key workers also ensured that millions of key consumer goods made it quickly from the container service to the supermarket shelf.
The Port also maintained an outstanding safety record in 2021, with not a single lost time incident occurring throughout the year.
Martin Lawlor, chief executive of Port of Blyth, said: “To achieve record turnover in a year that contained both covid and numerous Brexit related challenges is a huge accomplishment. Our offshore energy/renewables clients consistently reference our wealth of experience, high service levels and a service safety-first culture as reasons for selecting Blyth and long may that continue.”
Chair of the board of commissioners, Geoff Hodgson, added: “Such positive financial results are testament to both the scale of the projects that the Port is attracting to Blyth and the commitment of a superb team. With its key role in the renewables sector only set to grow, the future of the Port of Blyth is looking hugely positive.”
