Giant fertiliser vessel’s arrival boosts Port of Sunderland

A port says it is primed to cultivate further success after a partnership with a farming supplies firm was enriched by a mammoth delivery.

Port of Sunderland welcomed one of the world’s largest fertiliser vessels through its alliance with Brineflow.

Known as Torm Australia, the carrier – large enough to carry the Titanic in its hold – brought nitrogen fertiliser from the Americas to Brineflow’s port-based processing terminal.

And bosses say the vessel will be the first of many giant tankers to dock on Wearside thanks to Brineflow’s recently announced joint venture with German fertiliser maker HELM AG.

Matthew Hunt, director at Port of Sunderland, said: “We have worked closely with Brineflow since it opened its first terminal at the port in 2021.

“We’re delighted to have them in the city and are looking forward to seeing them continue to go from strength-to-strength.”

John Fuller, Brineflow chairman, added: “This is the first vessel to open new global fertiliser markets for the UK, and will place Sunderland at the heart of the UK agricultural supply industry with the lowest environmental impact.

“We are already planning subsequent voyages and exploring the onward shipping of this imported product to other destinations in the UK, and even exporting to Europe by smaller ship tankers.”