PD Ports agreed a three-year deal with soya bean and oilseed rape crusher Glencore Agriculture UK to use Teesport as its northern distribution hub.

Glencore’s new agri-bulk terminal will operate from Teesport’s newly constructed deep water quay completed in February this year.

The Teesport-bound imports will serve livestock producing regions of the UK including Yorkshire, Humberside, the North of England and Southern Scotland.

The imported animal feed products will be stored at the port, providing Glencore with 80,000 sq. ft. of storage capacity before being distributed to customers nationwide.

Teesport already welcomed the mv Adriana Rose in November carrying 54,000 tonnes of soya feed products from Argentina.

James Maw, Glencore UK’s managing director, said: “The opening of this dedicated import facility and direct distribution channel into the UK now gives a fully accredited and assured supply chain for quality products right through from crush to UK consumers.

“Teesport’s deep water and high-capacity handling facilities make it a great choice for Glencore’s Northern base enabling significant imports.

“We will continue to work closely with PD Ports to strengthen our UK infrastructure for the long term.”

Jerry Hopkinson, PD Ports’ Managing Director, Bulks and Port Services, said: “This announcement complements our recent investment to redevelop number one quay in support of our strategic vision to expand the Port’s capacity and capability to handle a more diverse range of commodities across a number of new market sectors.

“As a proud member of the Government’s Northern Powerhouse Partnership programme we continue to promote Teesport as the northern gateway to serve northern UK markets.

“The arrival of Glencore at Teesport is testament to our commitment to attract inward investment and drive sustainable economic growth across the north.”

PD Ports is owned by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP, which was was established by Brookfield Asset Management, a global asset manager with $225 billion under management and a long history of owning and operating assets with a focus on property, renewable energy, infrastructure and private equity.