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NEW border control posts are emerging on the Humber as port authorities prepare to implement physical checks after the post-Brexit grace period. Associated British Ports has brought in Hull-based civil engineering and construction business Spencer Group on the time-critical project, with a team of up to 130 working around the clock on the North and South Bank - as part of a £23 million contract.
It is delivering in Hull and Immingham, with a further addition at Humber Sea Terminal at North Killingholme. In total they represent a £47 million investment, and must be ready for July 1.
Once complete they will be used to check food, animal products and plants crossing the North Sea. And while triggered by Brexit, and the UK pulling out of the EU Customs Union, seafood industry chiefs have been calling for new facilities for a decade.
ABP awarded the contract to Spencer on December 28. A dedicated project team was immediately mobilised, and has been working with the port giant every day since - 24/7 when required.
Rapid progress has been made with the company’s in-house staff already having designed the foundations, steelwork, drainage and cladding for both sites and secured supply chain partners for the modular buildings, piling, groundworks, steelwork, cladding, internal walls and doors, refrigeration and “dock leveller” loading platforms. Piling is also complete at the Immingham site while in Hull, Spencer Group has used an innovative, in-house designed ground stabilisation system to reduce cost and save time.
The Immingham site is a 3,805 sq m build on a 5.3 acre site, valued at £13 million, with Hull’s - at King George Dock - spanning 3,120 sq m on 4.1 acres worth £9.9 million. Andy Beach, operations director for Spencer Group, said: “It wouldn’t be possible to work at the pace we are to meet this demanding deadline without Spencer and ABP working together as a fully integrated team.
“The delivery time is very challenging, so it’s crucial we work in collaboration and that’s precisely what we’ve done from the very first day. We have a fantastic relationship and it’s testament to all involved just how quickly we’ve got this project off the ground.
“As a local contractor, we’re delighted to have been selected to deliver such a prestigious scheme for a key client like ABP at the ports of Hull and Immingham. This is also great news for our local supply chain partners who are supporting us on the project.”
ABP has just completed a £50 million investment to increase the capacity of its container terminals, and is confident it has sufficient capacity as more stringent border controls are ntroduced. Simon Bird, regional director for ABP Humber, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to support a local supplier to help boost the Humber economy.
“The construction of new border control posts in the ports of both Hull and Immingham will help to ensure we continue to have a smooth flow of trade and we keep vital supplies coming into the nation.”
THE big reveal for the e Humber Renewables s Awards is just over a week away. Anticipation has rocketed after r headline sponsor Siemens s Gamesa revealed plans to double le its presence in the region. The company’s UK managnaging director Clark MacFarlane e will address the event fresh from the he proposal entering the consenting process in Hull. He will join Melanie Onn - the former Grimsby MP who is now deputy chief executive of Renewable UK - at the virtual lectern ahead of the awards presentation.
It comes after a year when the economy stalled but the sector kept spinning, with three offshore wind farms building or commissioning in the period. A fou fourth was consented at the close, wh while a fifth emerged in a new bidding round, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson increased the installation t target as part of the green recovery. On dry land Associated British P Ports unveiled the largest rooftop s solar installation while the Energy E Estuary’s role in decarbonisation - in including complex carbon capture an and hydrogen production to fuel swit switch and green up traditional industry - w was put firmly front and centre of governm government plans.
The even event, brought forward on our own online li platform, l tf is free to attend, with only registration required to access the Renewables Awards Room.
As well as watching the activity from the main stage, there will be opportunities to video call or direct message others in attendance, chat with your table, and invite people in.
Regional business editor David Laister, who will welcome guests alongside professional compere Emma Jesson, said: “We’re delighted to finally get this event up and running and really hope as many people as possible can join us for what should once again be a fantastic celebration of all that is happening in the Energy Estuary.
“With more than a decade behind us and so much more just happening, it is an industry that keeps giving to the Humber and celebrating the emerging heroes is a highlight a year like 2020 really needs - even if we’re slightly later than originally advertised!” The event takes place from 6.30pm on Thursday, March 4, with scores already registered.
To join them, network and get the latest insight from the industry experts and observers, follow the link at humberrenewables.com.
With more than a decade behind us and so much more just happening, it is an industry that keeps giving to the Humber and celebrating the emerging heroes is a highlight a year like 2020 really needs
David Laister