#Ports&Shipping - Giant ship to shore gantry cranes at the UK Port of Hull, which were installed earlier this year having originated in Ireland, formed part of the port's Open Day tour held a month ago, writes Jehan Ashmore.

This very rare opportunity for the public to enter through the gates of the north-east English port on the North Sea, provided a glimpse of behind the scenes that according to Associated British Port (ABP) Humber attracted around 300 people. Several tour groups spent a hour and half on 21 October, exploring the vast 3,000 acre port estate.

The invitation to the public was made available from (ABP) Port of Hull, which had invested £10.5m in the two Irish manufactured Ship-To-Shore (STS) cranes from Liebherr's plant based outside Killarney, Co. Kerry. The task of crane assembling took place at Rushbrooke, Cork Harbour, from where they were loaded onto a heavy-lift vessel and transported by sea.

Installation of the STS cranes in the Port of Hull has increased the total to four gantry cranes at the Hull Container Terminal. The increase in handling (Lo/Lo) capacity has led to new shipping businesess operating between the UK and mainland continental Europe.

At Port House, guests received a warm welcome by ABP's Port Manager for Hull and Goole, Chris Green who gave the tour group an informative talk about the background of the port and how it drives vital operations to keep the UK trading.

The Open Day also showcased the rest of the booming port operations including P&O Ferries terminal serving daily (Ro-Ro) links to Belgium and The Netherlands (noting they also operate on the Irish Sea). The Green Port Hull development, a Siemens wind turbine blade manufacturing, assembly and servicing facility were also available to view.

All Weather Terminal

In addition ABP tour guides showed the public to the All Weather Terminal, located in the King George V Dock, from where Afloat has previously reported from on board cruiseship, Marco Polo bound for Harwich. When the Cruise & Maritime Voyages classic veteran vessel (dating to 1965) began to depart, the All Weather Terminal became closer into view and was observed with much interest as to its purpose, as at first the structure appeared somewhat like a shipbuilding hall.

As the name of the terminal suggests, All Weather is the key to its operations, as the facility is in fact used by ships that can enter into a covered dock protected from the elements. The terminal is the UK's first fully-enclosed cargo-handling facility for the purpose of weather-sensitive cargoes such as steel (coils). The facility provides a ‘one-stop-shop’ for ship’s agency, cargo handling, storage and distribution. 

A small short-sea trader, Mirjam, albeit stern only, could be observed at the All Weather Terminal (see photo above). This scene as previously alluded was viewed from Marco Polo, having cast off mooring lines in King George V Dock, aided by SMS Towage's Yorkershireman (aft) and Irishman (bow). 

Returning to the port tour, members of the public were also treated to a sniffer dog display by the Border Force, a high-pressure water fountain spectacle also provided by SMS's fire tug Pullman. Also involved was the environmentally-friendly Envirocat boat, operated by Hughes Marine, which showcased it’s workings by gathering marine plastics throughout the port estate.

Hull also specialises in a range of bulk commodities and handling forest products, where Scotline (see photo caption) engaged with Irish operations too) while BP has a strong presence in the chemical market.

Earlier this month, ABP Port of Hull's Development plans for the Humber International Enterprise Park, located between Saltend Chemical Park and the village of Paull, have been redesigned. This was done as ABP took on-board feedback after recent public consultations.