Study shows river transport on the Broads could be viable
A study has concluded that transporting raw sugar by river from Great Yarmouth to British Sugar’s factory at Cantley could be viable once sufficient volumes are attained and logistical issues can be overcome.
The study was commissioned by the Cantley River and Rail Working Group after the Broads Authority granted planning permission last April for an extension to the sugar beet factory to allow for the processing of raw cane sugar during the summer. This would allow for all year round sugar production.
Residents were concerned about the increased lorry traffic and in December independent consultants were appointed to look into the feasilibity of carrying the raw cane sugar by river or rail.
The report has revealed that if volumes reach 200,000 tonnes per annum river transport would be the cheapest option, followed by road. Rail was not viable because of the lack of infrastructure.
If British Sugar decides to go ahead with the development raw cane sugar would be imported from some of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) to the outer harbour at Great Yarmouth by ship. It would be unloaded into a storage facility before re-loading onto barges which would carry the cargo to Cantley.
It is estimated that the costs of transport by river could be between £3.20 and £5.25 a tonne compared to £4 a tonne by road and £7 - £8 a tonne by rail. Potential problems are identified with river alignment, limits on night navigation and the reliability of bridge opening times.
The Transport Feasibility Study is only one aspect of the overall feasibility study which is being considered by British Sugar. Other aspects include the sugar markets and overall economic conditions. Within the planning consent, there is no requirement within the terms for the raw sugar to be transported by river.
The working group comprises members and officers of the Broads Authority, Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Norfolk County Council, Great Yarmouth Port Authority and British Sugar. It is chaired by the vice chairman of the Broads Authority’s Planning Committee.
16/06/10
