Humber bulk terminal bought by port giant Peel as it secures South Bank operation

Peel Ports Group has swooped for a bulk terminal on the Humber, completing the deal with Dutch-based HES International.

The New Holland operation is located at the former Victorian ferry pier that once provided the only public crossing to Hull. It has been expanded to feature 275,000 sq m of storage with an automated conveyor-fed import and export system in recent years, with a further 6,000 sq m outside storage land-side.

It is an eighth location for UK operator Peel, and first in the region, and will be operated by its Peel Ports Logistics division, joining activity in the North West, at Runcorn and Ellesmere Port.

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Claudio Veritiero, chief executive of Peel Ports Group, said: “The acquisition of HES Humber Bulk Terminal is an important investment for Peel Ports Group, expanding our presence into the East of England and bringing Peel Ports Logistics’ ‘one-stop shop’ service to the East Coast.

“The modern facilities at HES Humber Bulk Terminal guarantee fast and efficient loading and unloading of vessels and trucks, while the excellent water and road connections enable quick and smooth operations. This, combined with trans-shipment and extensive storage capabilities, will make the site a key addition to Peel Ports Logistics, helping us to deliver efficient and cost-effective port services for our customers.”

HES Humber Bulk Terminal, operated since 1983, and previously known as New Holland Bulk Services, employs 29 people, all of whom will be retained as part of the deal Peel Ports Logistics is led by managing director Sebastian Gardiner. It covers industries including agriculture, construction and energy.

Cees van Gent, chief executive of Rotterdam-based HES International, said: “We would sincerely like to thank all terminal employees for their ongoing commitment and valuable contribution to the company. Peel Ports has a long and outstanding history in the safe handling of cargo from across the globe and plays an integral role in customer supply chains.

“They are a reputable market player in the UK and we are confident that they will support HES Humber Bulk Terminal to build on its successful history. Proceeds from the sale

will be reinvested in energy transition-related projects that are pivotal for the long-term, sustainable growth and transformation of HES.”

With much of the passenger terminus infrastructure remaining, it had been the only UK operation in a portfolio of European sites across eight countries.

The terminal, with three berths and a capacity of vessels up to 6,000 DWT, joins the ports of Liverpool, Heysham, Manchester Ship Canal, London Medway, Clydeport, Great Yarmouth and a container terminal in Dublin as part of the Peel Ports Group.