Half a century of timber imports are in sight for Ahlmark Shipping on the Humber after a new 10 year deal was signed with Associated British Ports.
The Swedish line has also taken on additional land in Hull to support a growth in services bolted on to the North Sea sailings, which began almost 40 years ago.
It was a pioneer in the sector, helping make Hull one of the largest UK ports for the sawn timber trade.
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Ahlmark brings to the UK 30 per cent of all Swedish timber, with a dedicated terminal at King George Dock offering stevedoring, warehousing, ships agency and customs clearance services.
The contract extension has been described as demonstrating the market remains resilient.
Simon Bird, Director at ABP Humber, said: “This new deal with Ahlmark highlights that ABP remains a valuable and trusted partner for timber imports and exports in the Humber.
“The Humber ports afford many businesses an opportunity for growth, and ABP is committed to investing in its services and infrastructure to aid that.”
Weekly sailings from Kristinehamn, fortnightly sailings from Skelleftehamn and Iggesund; and monthly services from Domsjo, Gruvon and Ala are welcomed on the Humber.
Tim Hollands, managing director at Ahlmark Shipping (UK) Ltd, said: “This agreement highlights the continued commitment to the timber industry and to the Port of Hull by Ahlmark, a long-term relationship that now includes regular liner services to the ABP east coast ports of Immingham, Grimsby and King’s Lynn.
“With the support of ABP, Ahlmark Shipping (UK) Ltd is in a strong position to develop business through the Hull terminal.”
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