Defence Online

Associated British Ports (ABP) has revealed plans to invest £8.3m to upgrade and improve specialist facilities at its fresh produce terminal in Southampton.The port will install two top-of-the-range mobile cranes and totally refurbish its cool store and chilled produce processing area, with work starting in the next couple of months.The terminal, operated by Solent Stevedores, was originally developed for the handling of tomatoes imported from the Canary Islands between October and April.Refurbishments will expand the cool store’s temperature range and chilled storage capacity, which means the port can handle more cooled fruit as well as other temperature-controlled, high-value products. Terex Port Solutions will supply the new cargo-handling cranes to ABP Southampton. The diesel-electric harbour equipment will replace four older cranes on the quayside, available to handle critical project cargoes such as turbine components and yachts.ABP Southampton awarded the refurbishment contract to Hampshire-based Brymor Construction on 2 August. The development will involve updating the warehouse to provide a range of temperatures and improve lighting, hygiene and welfare facilities.