HEYSHAM Port has set a new record for freight traffic with three new ships operating from the port.

In 1996 the port handled 200,000 freight vehicles for the first time, an increase of 16 per cent on the previous year.

The additional traffic was generated due to an increase in the number of ferry operators using the port, which now has eleven daily sailings to Douglas, Belfast, Warrenpoint and Dublin.

This year sees the opening of a new £2 million roll-on/roll-off berth and general manager, Peter Fenton, says he is delighted by the record breaking success.

He said: "This is the first time we have handled over 200,000 freight units in one year and it is a sign of the massive vote of confidence in the port and its services from hauliers."

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