Helm signs 10 year deal with PD Ports at Howden

Port of Howden, UK — Helm Fertilizer Great Britain Ltd. has signed a 10-year agreement with PD Ports to operate a blending and bagging facility for its fertilizer imports at the Port of Howden. The port, which is owned and operated by PD Ports, will also provide the stevedore service for this new agreement, with the first vessel call expected in early 2014. Once received, the fertilizer, which is being imported from Europe and North Africa, will be stored before being blended and bagged ready for onward distribution. PD says the arrival of Helm at the port will see an initial investment of over £500,000 spent refurbishing one of PD Ports’ existing on site warehouses, covering some 68,000 sq ft. With anticipated volumes of over 50,000 mt/y, the port will become the central UK hub for Helm, who has previously used multiple ports of entry for imports. PD said Howden was chosen by Helm to consolidate its imports based on its location and proximity to rural regions such as Lincolnshire, as well as the excellent transport links to and from the port. PD said Helm will be making a significant investment in a state-of-the-art blending and bagging machine that will be one of the first of its type within the UK. It will also be capable of applying coating and micronutrients.