Port announces plans for extension

Jun 27 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

PORT of Tyne said that for some time it has been exploring ways in which to increase the land available for port operations to meet increasing demand from its customers.

Andrew Moffat, chief executive of the Port of Tyne, says: “Last year the port was approached by Bouygues Travaux Publics, the contractors of the second Tyne Tunnel, who explained their plans to dredge the Tyne as part of the construction process.

“We talked to them about how they could recycle the spoil from the construction of the tunnel by using it to infill Tyne Dock. Not only would this help us create 13 acres of extra land for operations, it would give us greater flexibility to offer our customers. After exploring various options, we decided that this was not only environmentally sound but also a cost effective way for both parties to progress. “

After consultations with Natural England, the Marine & Fisheries Agency and the Environment Agency, the Port of Tyne has drawn up plans to pump the spoil direct from the trench that is dredged for the new tunnel to Tyne Dock.

This technique would remove the need for several thousand lorry movements that would have been required to transport the dredged material. It also means that the material is beneficially reused rather than disposed of on land or at sea as waste.

A planning application has been submitted to South Tyneside Council.