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The Port of Blyth has announced ‘exceptional’ trading for a fourth year running as it continued its push into the lucrtive renewable energy sector.

Port bosses unveiled results for 2014 at its Annual Public Meeting, where stakeholders were told how group turnover reached £31.5m – matching the 2023 figure – and the port’s operating business brought in a record £22.23m.

Group adjusted operating profit – which excludes the impact of current and past service pension costs – was £2.85m, up on 2023’s £2.78m, while pre-tax profit of £2.23m was down on the previous year’s £3.6m. Chief executive Martin Lawlor said the operating profit figure marked the third highest on record.

The Port’s operating business remained the largest element of group activities, contributing around two-thirds of revenue generated, strengthened by the port’s logistics, forwarding and export packing subsidiary, Transped, and training division Port Training Services.

In 2024, the Port continued to strengthen its reputation within the renewable energy sector as a leading offshore energy base, by supporting the ongoing mobilisation of the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, as well as the construction of one of the world’s largest wind turbine monopile drills at its South Harbour Terminal.

Other offshore energy activities ranged from the handling of specialist subsea equipment to heavy project lifts, while also supplying support to the oil and gas sector, including the handling of pipe reels and decommissioning services through its decommissioning facility at Battleship Wharf.

Meanwhile, profitability was down at Transped, the port’s international logistics and forwarding subsidiary, but the business said it “continued to provide reliable, end-to-end global solutions to its expanding customer base throughout 2024”, with investment in specialist heavy duty containers boosting its services whilst maintaining its twice-weekly container service between The Netherlands and Blyth.

It added that Port Training Services (PTS) had a successful year, offering training in heavy industry, offshore renewables, and the port sector, further supporting the development of highly skilled workers for the industry.

Martin Lawlor, chief executive of Port of Blyth, said: “I am delighted to share that we have achieved another record-breaking year, further cementing the port’s reputation as a leading º£½ÇÊÓƵ offshore energy cluster. This success is a testament to the dedication and effort of our outstanding workforce, who remain our core asset, driving exceptional levels of service.”

Chair of the Board of Commissioners, Catherine Young, added: “It is incredibly pleasing to have seen such outstanding performance during my first year as chair. This continued success reinforces my confidence in the Port’s strategic direction and its vital contribution to both the regional economy and the local community.”

The Port’s performance was reported at its Annual Public Meeting which was recently held both in-person and online. This important event forms a significant part of the Port of Blyth’s commitment to its stakeholders as a leading º£½ÇÊÓƵ statutory Trust Port.”