Associated British Ports (ABP) said it won a two-year contract with Belgium-based manufacturer VPK Packaging Group to handle 35,000 tonnes of paper per year at the Port of Hull.

This agreement will see ABP handling paper reels destined for consumer packaging from a weekly container shipment from Ghent at the Hull Container Terminal.

“VPK has moved its shipments to the Humber area to enhance ease of distribution by road and strengthen its customer relations,” said ABP.

“A fully-integrated IT system enables live visibility of stock.”

ABP Humber director Simon Bird said: “Another win for ABP Humber is great to see as we welcome VPK to the Port of Hull.

“It’s testament to our prime location, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, backed by recent substantial investment and our strongly qualified, highly experienced teams who tirelessly deliver these successful operations.”

VPK expects to grow its volumes significantly in the coming years and ABP said it has the facilities and experience to accommodate that growth.

VPK sales manager Kevin De Winter said: “We have relocated to the Port of Hull to guarantee the best possible service and ensure raw material supply to our customers in the packaging industry, as well as our own Rigid plants to produce corrugated packaging in Selby, Desborough and Wellington.”