Shoreham Port was delighted to welcome the first shipment of steel to the Barrett Steel site this week, following the assignment of the lease for the steel premises at the Port on Tuesday 22nd August. Barrett Steel, who are the largest independent steel stockholder in the UK, had their first cargo vessel arrive at the Port on Sunday evening.

Dave Bunker, General Manager Operations at Shoreham Port commented “This week we were pleased to welcome the first cargo of steel for our new tenant, Barrett Steel. The vessel MV Jevenau arrived Sunday carrying 878 bundles of steel sheet piles weighing 3,620 tonnes, with operations beginning the following morning.”

The ship came through the Port’s Prince Phillip lock gates system, which replaces water in the canal via powerful impounding pumps that pump around 120,000 cubic metres of water into the Canal in an average 24 hour period. The vessel then discharged within the canal, in which the water level is maintained above highest tide levels at approximately half a metre, and moored at Fishergate Terminal where there is a minimum of 1.5 metres of water beneath the keel, meaning that the vessel can always remain safely alfoat throughout discharge and be unloaded with speed and efficiency.

Dave continued “We estimated that the discharge would take 3.5 days to complete and were delighted that it was completed in just under 2.5 days, thanks to the excellent work of our Operations team and the equally excellent cooperation of the Barrett Steel team, with 1,500 tonnes of steel unloaded each day. Overall this a 50% increase in the discharge rate and a credit to all involved. We look forward to maintaining and improving the great relationship we have already built with Barrett Steel in the future.”

Andy Warcup, Chief Operating Officer at Barrett Steel commented “Barrett Steel are delighted that our first shipment arrived earlier this week. The discharge process was handled very efficiently by Shoreham Port working closely with the local Barrett team on site. We are excited about this acquisition in Shoreham which is an excellent strategic opportunity for the Barrett Group to expand its presence in the South of England. The support received from Shoreham Port throughout the acquisition negotiation has been excellent and we look forward to a long and prosperous working relationship.”

Port of Shoreham Press Release