Peel Ports and Suardiaz have recently announced the launch of an ambitious £10m Green Automotive Manufacturing Hub that is poised to revolutionize the automotive manufacturing industry with its eco-friendly approach. Situated on a 9.5-acre site at Queen Elizabeth II Dock in Eastham, within the Mersey cluster of Peel Ports, the hub is committed to promoting sustainable vehicle production while also facilitating greener end-to-end maritime logistics services.
Displaying a strong commitment to making a positive impact, the hub kicked off its operations by welcoming a Suardiaz vessel departing from Vigo Port in Spain, which will now be operating on a twice-weekly shipping route. This initiative, established in partnership with Suardiaz for Stellantis, is designed to meet the supply requirements of Ellesmere Port’s vehicle manufacturing site. It is important to note that this facility is the first of its kind to exclusively produce battery-electric models for both commercial and passenger vehicles.
By opting for maritime transportation, the dedicated route serving the manufacturing plant is expected to reduce annual CO2 emissions by an impressive 30 per cent, as well as achieve a significant 37 per cent reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional road transport.
In an official statement, Claudio Veritiero, CEO of Peel Ports, emphasized, “This new green automotive hub is poised to be a gamechanger in reducing supply chain emissions and road congestion in the UK. It serves as a compelling example of the forward-thinking collaboration required to minimize the impact of the maritime and logistics sectors on the environment. We have consistently emphasized that reducing road miles is crucial in combating climate change, and we recognize that this can only be achieved by providing sustainable alternatives using ports in close proximity to final destinations. An integral part of our sustainability efforts involves close cooperation with like-minded businesses, and we are delighted to partner with Suardiaz and Stellantis on this groundbreaking project.”
In agreement with this sentiment, Juan Riva, President and CEO of Suardiaz, stated, “This new Suardiaz Terminal is the result of the excellent collaboration between Peel Ports and Suardiaz, as well as the trust placed by Stellantis in Suardiaz to establish and implement the supply chain for the Ellesmere Port Plant. The intermodal solution we have introduced for the Ellesmere Port factory, combining road and maritime transport, will significantly reduce CO2 emissions by removing over 14,000 trucks from European and British roads.”
Adding to the chorus of praise, Diane Miller, Ellesmere Port Plant Director at Stellantis, conveyed her excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of the new Green Automotive Hub at Queen Elizabeth II Eastham dock. Following the commencement of electric vehicle production earlier this year, this milestone is another significant achievement for Ellesmere Port, enabling us to establish a sustainable supply chain through a new maritime shipping route with our sister plant in Vigo, Spain. I would like to extend my thanks to Peel Ports and Suardiaz for their collaboration on this groundbreaking project.”
This visionary project, driven by collaboration and innovative thinking, undoubtedly represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to automotive manufacturing and logistics. The impact of this initiative extends beyond its immediate operational scope, as it promises to serve as a guiding beacon for similar endeavors in the future.
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