Peel Ports Logistics has signed a deal to become renewable energy specialist Drax’s new shipping agency service provider for vessels importing biomass into Liverpool, England.
The renowned shipping and goods forwarder will facilitate the arrival of all Drax ships from North America at the Port of Liverpool’s £100 million ($126 million) biomass terminal.
The renewable fuel is subsequently delivered to Drax Power Station, near Selby in North Yorkshire, the UK’s single largest source of renewable power.
As part of the agreement, the firm will welcome around 50 vessels into the port each year, each carrying up to 50,000 tonnes of biomass.
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The services provided to Drax will include supporting logistics around the arrival of the power specialist’s vessels and crew, as well as customs clearance.
Sebastian Gardiner, Managing Director at Peel Ports Logistics, said: “Everyone at Peel Ports Logistics is proud to have been chosen as Drax’s new shipping agency.
“The agreement is a testament to the knowledge and experience of our teams, and a real vote of confidence to start 2024. The wider Peel Ports Group already has a great working relationship with Drax, and we look forward to building on that partnership in the months ahead.”
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Mark Gibbens, Head of Logistics at Drax, stated: “Our new partnership with Peel Port Logistics strengthens Drax’s global supply chain, ensuring we help keep the lights on for millions of British households and businesses for many more years to come.
“The biomass brought ashore at ports such as Liverpool strengthens the UK’s national energy security and supports thousands of jobs right across the country.”
The facility at the Port of Liverpool debuted in 2016, and pellets are safely stored in one of three purpose-built silos when they are unloaded from their vessels.
The port reportedly handles up to 3 million tonnes of imported biomass globally each year, with the sustainable fuel carried by rail every day from Liverpool to power the Selby facility.
