A FUEL storage facility in Teesside, which was saved from administration in July, has re-commenced supplying fuel almost a year after 40 staff were made redundant.

Greenergy, which bought the former Petroplus refinery site at Seal Sands, on Teesside, has started diesel, gasoil and kerosene supply from the terminal, now known as Greenergy North Tees.

The staff were made redundant and the terminal closed after Petroplus - Europe's largest independent oil refiner - was placed into administration in January.

Since taking over at the terminal, Greenergy has undertaken a condition survey and made improvements before commencing supply.

Further investments, described by Greenergy as significant, are now planned at the site, with the aim of creating an integrated supply system for petrol and diesel in the North-East and a new hub for Greenergy’s rail distribution network.

The improvements planned during the next 18 months include jetty modifications and refurbishments to tankers and road loading facilities, as well as a new pipeline to link Greenergy North Tees to other terminals in the Teesside area and upgrading IT infrastructure.

Andrew Owens, Greenergy chief executive, said: "Our North Tees terminal will complement our existing petrol manufacturing facilities on Teesside, by adding the infrastructure for a new rail head, our own jetty capable of receiving large diesel ships and product interchange between terminal locations."

It is not yet clear if jobs will be created.

Alex Cunningham, MP for Stockton North, said: “I was delighted to hear that the supply of diesel, gasoil and kerosene from Greenergy North Tees is now underway.

“I welcome the investment made by Greenergy, and appreciate the faith that is being demonstrated in the skills of my Stockton North constituents.

“I look forward to seeing operations on Teesside expand, and hope to continue working closely with Greenergy moving into the future.”