A SHIPPING berth that will enable a renewable energy plant to import woodchip has received environmental approval.

PD Ports has received Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consent from the Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA) for the QEII berth redevelopment at Teesport.

This will enable PD Ports to proceed with the construction of the 260m long berth, which is an integral part of MGT Power’s Tees Renewable Energy Plant development at the port.

The £500m biomass plant on the dockside at Teesport will create up to 600 construction jobs and a further 150 permanent jobs.

Jerry Hopkinson, PD Ports’ managing director, bulks, ports and logistics, said: “This is another very significant step forward on the project and we are pleased to have received consent in a very short timeframe.

“The confirmation of the EIA consent has been a joint effort between PD Ports and MGT Power, working closely with the regulators and we very much look forward to seeing this major environmentally- friendly power project begin construction.”

The new berth will accommodate vessels up to 240 metres long and 38 metres wide, accommodating the world’s largest modern woodchip- carrier vessels.

The berth will be used to bring in the 2.4 million tonnes of woodchip each year, required to fuel the power station.

The 295 megawatt woodfuelled power station is to be built on the South Dock area of Teesport.