WARRENPOINT Port has invested £800,000 in new plant equipment in a move it hopes will significantly improve efficiency.
The north's second largest harbour has taken delivery of the first wave of a new fleet, which includes seven forklift trucks, as well as a Bobcat loader.
It follows a £3 million investment made by the port last year in a new crane and the refurbishment of two others.
Eoin O’Mahony, head of engineering and estates at Warrenpoint Port said the new equipment is the latest step in a drive to maximise efficiency across all operations.
“The new forklifts will have a broad range of lifting capabilities allowing us to handle the full spectrum of commodities that pass through the port from timber, to steel and beyond," he said.
Ian Taylor, operations manager at Warrenpoint Port added:
“The amount of goods passing through Warrenpoint is growing year-on-year and we expect that trend to continue.
“Continually reviewing our operational requirements and investing in new plant and equipment when needed ensures that we maintain the high quality of service that our customers expect, providing for a cost-effective and expeditious transit of goods through the harbour.”
The latest investment from the port is part of an overall £4m redevelopment at the port, the first phase of which is due for completion this year.
Construction work on the redevelopment of the port's landmark Town Dock House started last month as part of the major regeneration project, with the building due to be returned to its former use as the main harbour office
The Town Dock House works also include a complete refurbishment of the existing building and an extension which will provide additional office space and board room facilities.
Warrenpoint Port handed a record 3.6 million tonnes of cargo in 2018, valued at £6.5bn.
Last year harbour authorities launched an ambitious 25-year masterplan, which forecasts a significant increase in trade over the coming decades including a rise by up to 80 per cent of core roll on, roll off freight by 2040.
