PORT bosses have hailed its diversification after securing a new deal.

Officials at the Port of Tyne say this month’s first 50,000-tonne shipment of petroleum coke from County Durham energy operator Oxbow highlights its future intent.

The port has been modifying operations after a dramatic reduction in coal imports and has embarked on a project to build new facilities to handle, store and transport pellets for Lynemouth Power Limited, which is converting a Northumberland power station from coal to biomass.

Alasdair Kerr, commercial director for port services, said the Oxbow agreement was a significant one.

He said: “The port has diversified its bulk cargo operations to handle a wide range of commodities and this is the start of regular shipments for Oxbow.

“We are delighted we have been able to work with them.”

Oxbow, which runs a site at Newfield, near Bishop Auckland, produces briquettes for use on stoves, cookers and open fires.

Mike Cusick, managing director, said: “We have a global reputation for sourcing quality fuels throughout the world, and now we are working with the port we can continue to get our products to market quickly.

“The port has an important role to play in our future success and growth.”

Petroleum coke is a by-product of the oil refining process and has a variety of uses in the manufacturing process of steel, aluminium and cement.

It is also an important component in the production of manufactured smokeless fuels.