Port of Tyne to restart container handling in South Shields five months after major shipping accident
The Port of Tyne is expected to return to full operational status by the end of the year following months of repairs.
South Tyneside’s Port of Tyne is set for business as usual by the end of year following months of repairs after a major quayside shipping accident.
Bosses say the international logistics hub’s dockside will be fully operational within weeks, allowing the restart of container handling at the South Shields site.
But they confirmed they must wait a little longer to replace a ship-to-shore gantry crane which was toppled when two vessels collided in the summertime navigation blunder.
Despite one being ordered, it is not expected to be delivered until the spring nor be operational until next summer.
Repairs followed a collision between two vessels in the River Tyne at the port on Sunday, July 19.
A worker was injured when his dock crane was knocked over and the accident led to an estimated one billion plastic balls, known as nurdles, being spilled into the river.
Many were washed up on the region’s beaches, leading to a major clean-up operation and calls for better safety measures.
In a statement, a port spokesperson said: “Following the incident at the Port of Tyne in July, we are pleased to share that restoration work on the affected quayside is progressing, with the facility expected to return to full operational status by the end of the year.
“This will enable us to restart container handling directly at the Port.
“We have also placed an order for a new ship-to-shore gantry crane to replace the one destroyed in the incident.
“Delivery is expected in spring 2027, with the crane planned to be fully operational by the end of summer.
“Throughout this challenging period, our colleagues, particularly across our transport and commercial teams, have worked closely with Teesport, our customers and partners across the region to keep cargo moving and minimise disruption.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support, resilience and commitment shown by our teams and partners in helping us maintain services and move forward.
“As we continue to rebuild, we remain proud to be part of the North East community and focused on creating a vibrant, sustainable Port of Tyne that supports regional growth, connects businesses to global markets and delivers long-term value for the region.”