PD Ports strengthens bulk handling capacity at Teesport with £5.4m crane investment

PD Ports has further strengthened its bulk handling capability at Teesport with the arrival of a third electric-hydraulic Liebherr LPS 550 crane, representing a £5.4m investment in the port’s infrastructure.

The new crane complements two identical models introduced in 2023 - an £8.6m investment - and significantly enhances Teesport’s ability to handle a wider range of bulk and breakbulk commodities, reduce emissions improve discharge rates and respond quickly and flexibly to customer demand.

In addition to the Liebherr crane, PD Ports has also invested in new, task‑specific grabs, which allow our operations teams to better match equipment to individual cargoes and conditions.

A new grab designed to handle scrap metal will increase handling capacity from 7.5 cubic meters to 17 cubic meters per grab. The scrap grab also features bespoke lifting points, allowing plant to be transferred from shore to ship without changing the gear.

The investment improves both safety and operational efficiency, reduces discharge times and supports PD Ports’ entry into new bulk markets, rather than relying on more generalized handling equipment.

The latest investment builds on a sustained program of continued improvements at Teesport, which has already delivered a 263% increase in its agribulk productivity since 2016, when PD Ports moved to diversify its bulk handling operations.

The Tees Dock bulks quay is now handling more than 3m tons of cargo per annum.

The improved performance has been driven by investment in electric cranes and grabs with increased lift and cubic capacity. Tees Dock has high‑throughput eco-hoppers capable of loading a wagon in 60 seconds, improved storage and planning systems, fully automated weighbridges and continued workforce training, enabling us to meeting customer demand at every level.

The addition of a third Liebherr crane will further support growing volumes of bulk commodities and project cargo, including tandem lift operations linked to large‑scale infrastructure developments, particularly in the offshore and carbon capture sectors in Teesside and beyond.

Grant Honzik, business unit director – bulks, said: “The addition of a third electric Liebherr LHM 550 crane significantly strengthens our bulk handling capability and supports growing demand as customers increasingly recognize Tees Dock as a flexible, high‑capacity hub for bulk commodities, project cargo and specialist lifts.

“The new grabs allow us to handle cargo more efficiently, increase load and discharge speeds and better tailor our equipment to individual products, opening up opportunities in new and emerging bulk and breakbulk markets.

“Combined with the crane’s increased lift capacity and tandem lift capability, this investment gives us the flexibility to support everything from high‑volume bulk commodities through to complex project cargo, including large‑scale infrastructure developments across the region.”

Fully electrified cranes also support PD Ports’ sustainability ambitions, contributing towards the company’s goal of achieving Net Zero operations by 2040.

Frans Calje, chief executive officer at PD Ports, said: “This latest £5m investment underlines PD Ports’ long‑term commitment to Teesport and to building a truly world‑class facility for the region.

“By continuing to invest in modern, high‑performance infrastructure, we are also strengthening Teesport’s role in supporting the offshore sector and playing a leading role in the UK’s national decarbonization ambitions.”