The Port of Greenock has recently made a strategic investment of £750,000 to enhance its refrigerated cargo infrastructure. This upgrade aims to bolster Scotland’s export capabilities by increasing the number of reefer points at the port from 32 to 220. This significant expansion vastly improves the port’s capacity to store and distribute perishable goods, providing a competitive advantage for Scottish exporters.
Notably, this investment will greatly benefit exporters dealing with temperature-sensitive commodities such as seed potatoes, meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. The upgraded infrastructure features a new substation, purpose-built reefer gantries, and enhancements to existing facilities. These improvements not only increase capacity but also signify a shift towards more sustainable operations, as the port’s new setup eliminates the need for diesel generators, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of exporting activities.
Jim McSporran, port director at Peel Ports Clydeport, emphasized the importance of this upgrade, stating, “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.” He added, “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 to include pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and other industries relying on temperature-controlled logistics. The enhanced infrastructure opens up alternative routes to market and offers additional capacity to handle larger volumes of refrigerated cargo.
Craig Scrimgeour, Scotland director at Drac Logistics, a firm specializing in the import and export of perishable foods, welcomed the news, stating, “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.” He added, “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.”
