A PORT operator has officially opened a £35m quayside development.

PD Ports, which runs Teesport, has built a 550-metre deep-water quay to welcome larger vessels carrying greater cargo.

The work was celebrated in a topping out ceremony earlier this year by Lord Michael Heseltine.

PD Ports say the quay, referred to as Number One, was originally built in the early 1960s, but had reached its limit in the face of bigger ships, advanced cranes and more modern handling equipment.

The 18-month renovation project saw the demolition and re-construction of 24,000 tonnes of concrete decking, and officials say the quay will open up more deep sea bulk cargoes from around the world.

Mark Pearson, PD Ports’ project director, said: “Number One Quay gives us a tremendous platform to grow our business while increasing its lifespan for another 70 to 80 years.

“Ships are getting bigger and carrying more cargo, so our improved facilities give customers a freight advantage.

“Ultimately this will provide more direct and efficient routes to market for Northern importers and exporters.”

Lord Heseltine laid concrete to PD Ports’ quayside during his visit in February, which coincided with the launch of the Mayoral Development Corporation, a new body aimed at putting local decision-makers in charge of job creation and investment.

At the time, Lord Heseltine, who is leading regeneration efforts following Redcar steel firm SSI’s demise, said the organisation would be more robust than previous urban development bodies, claiming it will combine national Government with the knowledge of local power brokers across councils and the region’s Combined Authority.