How 'absolutely incredible' Port of Sunderland workers have boosted trade during lockdown

The efforts of “absolutely incredible” employees at the Port of Sunderland have contributed towards a seven per cent leap in business revenue since the onset of the pandemic.

Their work has included handling 34,000 tonnes of dry and liquid bulk and 48,000 tonnes of imported cargo such as steel and wood pulp in a period stretching from March 23 lockdown to April 30.

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Among the locations the port has welcomed vessels from during the lockdown are New York, Northern Spain, the Black Sea, Denmark, Sweden and Germany.

Port director Matthew Hunt said: “In spite of the hugely challenging circumstances of recent weeks, Port of Sunderland has remained open and has met an uplift in operational demand, which is remarkable when you consider the conditions we are operating under.

“The team has been absolutely incredible. The way in which they have come together to get through this period of huge demand for port services and infrastructure - still able to look after our customers to the highest standard – means port personnel really should be recognised as being among those key workers that we credit for keeping the country going.”

Port of Sunderland, which is owned by Sunderland City Council and employs 44 full-time workers, offers deep water berths minutes from open sea, 24/7 access, development sites and both city centre and rail connectivity.

The leader of the council, Councillor Graeme Miller, who is also chair of the Port of Sunderland board, praised the port for its “flexibility and support” during the pandemic and added: “The port team works tirelessly, every single day of the year, to support the flow of goods in and out of the city, and they deserve huge credit for their efforts during this difficult time.

“The resilience and determination of Sunderland workers is something that is world-renowned and that continues to shine through, even in the darkest of periods.

“I’m phenomenally proud of everyone at our port.”

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