The Port of Wisbech has been out of action since a ship broke its back and blocked the river in December. Vessels carrying cargoes, including timber, are still being re-routed to King’s Lynn and Felixstowe.
The port’s operations manager, Alan Scrine, said: ‘We had to turn five ships away in December and will probably lose another five this month. We have virtually come to a standstill and it is having a knock-on effect for our clients, hauliers and casual labour.’
One of the companies affected is Crofton Pallets of Huntingdon which imports timber from the Baltic states.
Jim Roberts of Crofton Pallets said: ‘So far we have diverted three ships to King’s Lynn which they have handled for us. We then have to take the timber 20 miles by truck to Huntingdon which has led to a slight increase in our haulage costs.’
Peter Fiddling, commercial director at Swiftwood Imports Ltd, another Port of Wisbech user, said his company’s ships were being diverted to Lowestoft. He added: ‘If a disaster like this had to happen, then this was the best time of year for it to do so.’
