Port restores trans-Atlantic link

The cargo of wheat was carried on board the Stella Maris

A trans-Atlantic trade route has been restored at a Cumbrian port after a gap of decades.

For the first time in 47 years, a shipment of Canadian grain has been imported into Silloth.

The 2,526 tonnes of wheat from Quebec, which will be turned into bread floor, arrived at the Carrs Flour Mills complex next to the dock.

The port says its an important boost, particularly as the dock is due to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

Julius Deane, wheat director for Carr's Flour Mills, said: "This consignment of wheat is now being transferred locally through the port from the vessel to the mill.

"It has avoided the need for costly and wasteful intermediate transport and unnecessary additional carbon emissions., saving the equivalent of almost 200 lorry journeys that otherwise would have been transported on the region's roads."

Captain Chris Puxley, harbour master and port superintendent for the Port of Silloth said: "It's great to see the return of direct Canadian grain shipments after almost 50 years.

"It is reassuring to know that the port is still busy supporting local industry and agriculture, just as envisaged back in the 1850s."