In a move set to boost Scotland’s export capabilities, the Port of Greenock has invested £750,000 to expand its refrigerated cargo infrastructure. This upgrade sees the number of reefer points at the port surge from 32 to 220, vastly enhancing its capacity to store and distribute perishable goods.
This investment looks to significantly increase ease of access for Scottish exporters, particularly those dealing in temperature-sensitive commodities such as seed potatoes, meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
The upgraded infrastructure includes a new substation, purpose-built reefer gantries, and enhancements to existing facilities. These improvements are reportedly not just about increased capacity; they also signal a shift towards more sustainable operations. The port’s new setup eliminates the need for diesel generators, reducing the carbon footprint of exporting activities.
Jim McSporran, port director at Peel Ports Clydeport, expressed his enthusiasm for the upgrade and shared: “This significant investment into the Port of Greenock’s reefer points infrastructure underscores our commitment to providing world-class facilities to support the needs of our customers in Scotland.
“We are excited about the opportunities this investment brings for businesses involved in exporting perishable goods, especially at a time when demand for temperature-sensitive goods is growing. We look forward to playing an even bigger role in Scotland’s export success.”
The benefits of this expansion extend beyond food and drink manufacturers. Pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and other industries reliant on temperature-controlled logistics stand to gain substantially. The enhanced infrastructure opens up alternative routes to market and provides additional capacity to handle larger volumes of refrigerated cargo.
Craig Scrimgeour, Scotland director at Drac Logistics, a firm specialising in the import and export of perishable foods, welcomed the news. “We’re really pleased to hear about this reefer investment at the Port of Greenock ahead of the imminent arrival of its two new ship-to-shore cranes later this year. This will significantly increase our ability to store and transfer our cargo, as well as our access to global markets.
“It’s really positive news for import and export companies across the country, and we believe it will support and attract new services into Scotland’s only deep water container port.”
