ABP invests to boost container handling safety

Associated British Ports (ABP) has invested in new pinning stations at its Humber container terminals, working alongside local supplier Grimsby Pipework & Engineering Ltd (GPE). The UK's largest port operator installed four new pinning stations at the Port of Immingham, with a further four to be added at the Port of Hull. Pinning operations, which involve removing twist lock pins from containers, present significant risks on busy container terminals.

The new stations, offset from vessels and situated within marked areas, feature red and green lights to signal when container transfer tugs can safely enter the pinning area. Jamie Pearson, Head of Unitised (Humber) at ABP, emphasized safety as the priority, noting the new stations eliminate risks faced by pining operatives. These stations also prevent twist locks from being left on the ground, reducing hazards for tugs and operatives.

ABP's Continuous Improvement ethos guided the development of these fit-for-purpose stations. GPE fabricated the bespoke stations after conducting a site survey and designing them to fit the quayside perfectly. Mike Hemsworth, Managing Director of GPE, highlighted the collaboration with ABP to create a practical solution for the port environment.

The Ports of Hull and Immingham serve as leading northern England gateways for short sea container traffic to Europe and the Baltic, handling over 5,500 units weekly.