Port of Tyne wins petcoke business

A by-product of the oil refining process, petcoke (petroleum coke) has a variety of uses in the manufacturing process of steel, aluminium and cement, and is an important component in the production of manufactured smokeless fuels.

The petcoke handled at the Port of Tyne is fuel grade, producing virtually no ash when burned. From its manufacturing facility near Durham, Oxbow produces around 100,000t of high quality briquettes for use in stoves, cookers and open fires, across the UK and Ireland.

“The Port of Tyne has diversified its bulk cargo operations to handle a wide range of commodities for customers, from energy producers to recycling companies,” said Alasdair Kerr, commercial director, Port Services, Port of Tyne. “This is the start of regular shipments for Oxbow, and we are delighted that we have been able to work with them to add value to their business.”

Mike Cusick, managing director of Oxbow, commented: “We have a global reputation for sourcing quality fuels throughout the world, and, now that we are working with the Port of Tyne, we can continue to get our products to market quickly, further increase efficiencies, and we have reduced road miles. It is a great solution for us. The Port of Tyne has an important role to play in our future success and growth.”