Opening of Grimsby River Terminal 'a magnificent day'

THE biggest investment in Port of Grimsby in 160 years was made to "keep pace with the world-beating service" created by town company GBA Group.

Port director John Fitzgerald used the official launch of the £26-million Grimsby River Terminal to recognise the demand drummed up by the automotive logistics giant, making the town the port of choice for the UK's car manufacturer of choice.

Now more jobs could flow as trade is built up with the extra capacity offered.

At a special ceremony held on the huge floating pontoon, reached by a finger pier stretching out several hundreds of metres from beneath the Dock Tower, the Associated British Ports executive said: "This is a truly magnificent day in the history of this port and the history of this town."

Before inviting former managing director of Volkswagen Group UK, Robin Woolcock, to officially open it, with vessel Viking Constanza moored alongside,Mr Fitzgerald said: "On May 27, 1852, Prince Albert – Queen Victoria's consort – formally opened Royal Dock in Grimsby to complete the port complex. Over 160 years later the link with Germany is celebrated again with a representative of a major company based here to open the next phase of port development.

"The reputation the Port of Grimsby has always had in the automotive trade in terms of the quality service levels is demonstrated by GBA winning countless awards. We have had to keep pace with world-beating service they have created and future-proof the port to create a world class marine facility."

Of the decision, made in the midst of the worst recession in a lifetime when car sales plummeted, Mr Fitzgerald said: "We did it because it was the right thing to do," stating this applied to the primary customer, Volkswagen Group, the UK as a car-buying nation, employees and shareholders of Associated British Ports, and the town itself.

The project, first brought forward in 2004, and made public in 2008, required 300,000 tonnes of material to be dredged from the river, 5km of piles to construct, with 270,000 man hours from contractor Graham over a 15 month build-out period.

Capt Sam Judah MBE, managing director of GBA Group, said: "I'd like to congratulate ABP in reaching this very significant milestone in Grimsby. By giving us this river berth ABP has put its money where its mouth is. Thanks also to Volkswagen Group for backing this very significant project and putting its faith in us for very, very many years to come. For Graham, it has been a job well done and timely delivery.

"We at GBA have been very proud of the partnership work. I am sure we can, together, develop this further and grow our businesses, having now been given the tools. Out of 700 GBA staff we have over 350 staff working in the ports of Grimsby, Immingham and Killingholme. In addition to providing job security, we are confident that many more jobs will be created with increasing volumes and the generation of new business."