Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading and best-connected port operator has signed a new long-term agreement with Clarksons Port Services, one of the UK’s largest port services and vessel agency businesses.

This new agreement relates to a grain and biomass terminal at the Port of Ipswich and will see Clarksons carry out a significant range of additional investments in their handling and storage capabilities.

Building on over 20 years of serving customers at the Port of Ipswich, Clarksons’ reputation for excellence in the agribulks sector has seen their activity grow substantially over the last few years. The company will utilise almost 6 acres of covered bulk storage space, handling around 400,000 tonnes of cargo every year, demonstrating Clarksons’ strong commitment to the East Anglian region and their customers.

David Rumsey, Managing Director at Clarksons Port Services, said: “Clarksons Port Services has a long-standing relationship with ABP, having been in the Port of Ipswich for almost 30 years. In that time we have handled approximately 10 million tonnes of cargo!

“We are delighted to have once again extended our lease with ABP, as we look to develop and expand both our import and export business. The Port of Ipswich continues to provide the ideal location and the support and communication we receive from ABP is first class.”

Andrew Harston, ABP Wales and Short Sea Ports Director, said: “The commitment from Clarksons and their business combined with our long-term, positive commercial and operational relationship is a key part of our business at the Port of Ipswich and elsewhere across the ABP group.

“We are delighted to have secured this new deal with Clarksons Port Services, who have an enviable reputation for service delivery in their industry. We look forward to seeing the Port of Ipswich build upon its role as the premier UK agribulk export handling port.”

Since 2015, ABP has invested in the construction of around 130,000 square feet of additional modern TASCC & Organic Certified bulk warehousing space at the Port of Ipswich, including in its Orwell Bulk and Cliff Bulk Terminals, in order to meet demand as a result of substantial growth in import cargoes.