Silloth's tanker trade comprises the import of bulk liquid molasses for use in animal feed formulations. The sugar refining byproduct is traded as a world food commodity & sourced throughout Europe for delivery to Cumbria. Specialist Edible Oil Tankers capable of maintaining the cargo at 40deg C are required for transporting & discharging the viscous liquid. Liquid molasses are pumped out into dockside storage tanks before being transferred to the adjacent processing plant for conversion into 'Crystalyx' animal feed concentrate. |
The tidal deep water channel of the outer Marshall Dock can be kept clear by use of a metal sluice gate mechanism on the dock gates. At low water the sluices are opened and accumulated silt flushed away. However, dredging is still needed for a more extensive clearance of the inner & outer docks. Silloth is part of the Associated British Ports Group. A traditional Grab Hopper Dredger from the fleet of UK Dredging, whose parent company is also ABP, is used. |
The multi-purpose pontoon arrives back at Silloth from Skinburness where divers have been inspecting a damaged structure at the end of an outfall pipe.
The 20m vessel is operated by 'Bay Towage' of Barrow-in-Furness, and divers from 'James Fisher Subsea' are carrying out the inspections. |