A huge deal to expand Stena Line’s operations on the Humber has been welcomed by key stakeholders.
The Swedish shipping line has committed to a 50-year deal with Associated British Ports, and together they will build a new terminal and berths at Immingham, in what is a £100 million commitment.
It came after the roll-on roll-off expansion was outlined last week, with consultation ahead of an early summer Development Consent Order application to get underway in the coming days.
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Camilla Carlbom Flinn is the Swedish Consul on the Humber, having taken on the role from her late father in 2008. She also followed in his footsteps becoming chair of ships agency Carlbom Shipping, the family business based on the South Humber Bank.
She said: “It is a fantastic deal for the region. It reinforces the importance of the Humber as a key reading route into Europe and the fact it is a Swedish company investing on the Humber is excellent news.
“ABP couldn’t have found a better partner for this development. It is one of the major shipping lines, and represents a real vote of confidence in the region. There are so many historical links between Sweden and the whole of Scandinavia, and the Humber, and it is really good to see such routes revitalised with such a massive investment being made.”
The director of Team Humber Marine Alliance believes it will send waves around the maritime and logistics community too, with the importance of it happening at a northern port flagged.
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“When Stena invests to this extent it sends a signal to the rest of Europe and the rest of the business community that this is a really important opportunity,” Mrs Carlbom Flinn said. “It is a real seal of approval. They do not make investments like this without studying the market and doing their research well, and it will be brilliant in terms of job creation when building the terminal and in day-to-day operations.
“The 50 year commitment is huge, Brexit or no Brexit we are still going to trade, and the focus needs to be making sure it is as smooth as possible.
“It is a really top notch investment. Stena is a really classic Swedish company and all about developing for a sustainable future. They have all the credentials to make a really positive impact here.”
As reported, the companies aim to be operational in 2025, with the terminal to be located in the outer harbour, at the eastern side of the port - mirroring DFDS’ established operations to the west, close to Stena’s existing Humber Sea Terminal berths, which will remain.
David Hooper, external affairs director for Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is terrific news for the Humber and the South Bank in particular – it’s a 50-year vote of confidence in the region as it continues to grow and develop.
“This project will boost the local economy and bring new jobs to the area, which is very welcome news.
“We have seen other freight operators attracting business from the southern ports to the Humber which makes a huge amount of sense when you consider the time savings of accessing the Midlands and the North of England without the need to drive halfway up the country.
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“It’s also a tribute to the work ABP is doing to improve its infrastructure and facilities to attract these big name operators to the Humber.”
The huge economic benefit it could bring has been welcomed by leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Philip Jackson.
He said: “It is going to bring hundreds of new jobs to the area, not just in shipping, ports and logistics, but also the various support businesses, and is a huge boost for the area, and North East Lincolnshire in particular.
“Immingham is already the largest port by tonnage in the country and this will add further capacity. It is certainly interesting to see it is based on a massive increase in trade between the Humber and the EU since Brexit. It does fly in the face of some of the things we were told, and great this area will benefit.
“The 50-year agreement means long term jobs, jobs I would imagine that will be well paid, which is great for the economy, and it ties in very well with the freeports.”
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