UK liquid fertilizer provider Brineflow and German multinational Helm have formed a strategic joint venture in which Brineflow will import fertilizer from Helm.
Brineflow operates from fertilizer terminals in Great Yarmouth and Sunderland and is currently commissioning one of Europe’s largest deep-water liquid fertilizer terminals at the Port of Sunderland, capable of receiving some of the largest oceangoing tanker vessels. It said it has the ability to conveniently address 90% of the UK’s arable production areas.
The parties noted that Helm has liquid nitrogen (UAN) manufacturing facilities in Trinidad that allow it to ship large vessels to the UK from a region that is not facing European gas shortages. They added that the jv brings together two family-owned companies whose shareholders have traded with each other for nearly 40 years.
“This joint venture will allow our existing team to work with the whole of UK agriculture to provide security of supply for fertilizers at a moment where many traditional European sources have been impacted by the Ukrainian War and tightness in energy markets,” said Brineflow Chairman John Fuller OBE. “The market for liquid fertilizers has been growing fast as farmers appreciate the significant productivity and operational efficiencies they bring.
“Together we will combine the shipment of large vessels from deep-ocean producers with the flexibility to supply smaller vessels from the near continent and Baltic trades,” he added. “The partnership will play a large part in ensuring British farmers remain competitive and productive contributing towards national food security.”
“The deal with Brineflow in Great Britain allows us to match our manufacturing strength with brand new terminals with the capacity to meet the structural increase in demand for liquid nitrogen fertilizers in the most environmentally compliant manner with the lowest total emissions,” said Helm Vice President of Crop Nutrition Business Development Tim Gaegens.