Port of Hull Opens Multi-purpose Warehouse
Investment of more than £4 million in a purpose-built facility for the storage of dry bulk cargoes has given Associated British Ports’ (ABP) Port of Hull a pioneering multi-purpose warehouse facility which will be used to store biomass.
The building, which took almost a year to construct, boasts a range of features which makes it the only one of its kind in operation in the UK.
ABP Dry Bulks Manager, Craig Barbour said: “ABP really is leading the way in wood pellet storage in the UK following the £130 million investment in dedicated handling facilities in both Immingham and Hull. A warehouse like this was the obvious next step.
“We thought long and hard about what we wanted from the facility and what we’ve got is a building that can be used to store any dry bulk cargo safely whilst reducing risk to our staff. It’s a great example of best practise and leads the way in terms of industry standards.”
The 50m x 120m warehouse was built by Lincolnshire construction firm A Torn Construction Ltd, and is capable of holding up to 26,000 tonnes of cargo. The building can be easily adapted to store other dry bulk products as it has blanked-off fire doors within retaining walls and the design has eliminated internal ledges to make the cleaning process more efficient when the building is being used for storing biomass.
As well as specialist fire protection measures including an incipient aspirating fire detection system, the warehouse also features internal LED lighting, wireless carbon monoxide and heat monitoring, an expanding foam fire suppression system, smoke extraction capabilities and an internal and external mist air system to control dust.
Craig Barbour continued: “The shed will be used for dry bulk cargoes primarily, supporting ABP’s agreement with Drax and so far it’s performing exceptionally well. It’s a valuable asset and has the best controls available to make sure it’s able to remain operational.
“The LED lighting and improved access points means that productivity has increased without the need to compromise on health and safety.”