PD Ports in 'significant' breakwater upgrade

A port operator has started work on a multi-million-pound breakwater improvement programme.

PD Ports is installing huge rocks at South Gare, near Redcar.

Bosses say the project will fit thousands of tonnes of Norwegian granite to strengthen the 150-year-old-plus structure – damaged by Storm Babet in 2023 – and help it “continue protecting the River Tees for another 150 years”.

They add the work represents “one of the largest engineering programmes ever undertaken” on the breakwater, which annually helps thousands of vessels enter and leave the River Tees.

PD Ports – which oversees the Teesport trade hub and acts as the River Tees’ statutory harbour authority – says the first phase of the programme will see about 15,000 tonnes of granite fitted, with a further 40,000 tonnes set to be installed next summer.

Paul Foreman, PD Ports’ recently appointed chief executive, said the work marks the culmination of 18 months’ research, testing and modelling, which included subjecting the breakwater to one-in-200-year storm conditions.

He added: “South Gare is an essential piece of infrastructure for the economy of Teesside, providing safe access to Teesport and the river for the thousands of vessels and millions of tonnes of cargo that support businesses, jobs and investment across the region.

“These works represent a significant investment in the future of Teesport, helping us maintain safe and reliable operations for customers, river users and stakeholders for generations to come.”

The work comes just days after PD Ports – whose portfolio includes further North East sites, as well as Humber and South East bases – docked a 5000-strong vehicle vessel at Teesport.

Officials say the Chery Automotive carrier marked one of the “largest automotive calls in recent years”.

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