September 12 - The UK Port of Sunderland expects cargo volumes to increase significantly in 2016, after it refocused on traditional shipping activities following the downturn in offshore operations.
The port noted that without government backing for the renewable energy sector, there has been a slowdown in the project pipeline, which has seen the Port of Sunderland turn its attention back to bulk and project cargo handling.
Last year, the UK gateway handled almost 750,000 tonnes of cargo, but expects that 2016 will deliver increased record tonnage figures.
Matthew Hunt, port director at Sunderland, commented: "Many ports, operating up down the country, have been hit hard by the dip we have seen. It has simply been necessary to go back to basics and that is exactly what we have done, attracting bulk cargoes which has led to the increased volumes we have seen passing through the port over the last year."
An aerial view of the Port of Sunderland in the UK.
