Second barge drafted in to carry freight to city as demand grows

A second barge has been drafted in to carry grit sand on the canal system into Leeds to meet rising demand.

Fusedale H, operated by Humber Barges, delivered a load into Knostrop, Leeds, last week, after being called in by fifth generation barge operator John Branford, of Goole.

Mr Branford, the barge contractor for marine aggregates firm AC Aggregrates, was the first in 19 years to make a commercial freight delivery by barge into Leeds at the end of September.

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His barge Farndale H is currently carrying loads of 350 tonnes, while the Fusedale H is taking 280 tonnes.

Humber Barges' Fusedale H just about to pass under the old Great North Road Bridge at Ferrybridge  Picture: Maik BrownHumber Barges' Fusedale H just about to pass under the old Great North Road Bridge at Ferrybridge  Picture: Maik Brown
Humber Barges' Fusedale H just about to pass under the old Great North Road Bridge at Ferrybridge Picture: Maik Brown

At full capacity they can take 500 tonnes or the equivalent of 17 lorries off the roads.

It is hoped both barges will continue to make deliveries once a week as AC Aggregates develops its West Yorkshire customer base further.

The charity which operates the network, the Canal and River Trust, said they were “working hard to prepare the canal channel to accept vessels to their full carrying capacity as quickly as possible”.

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A hydrographic survey had been completed and dredging volumes are being calculated, it added.

Fusedale H and Farndale H in Albert Dock, Hull Picture: Maik BrownFusedale H and Farndale H in Albert Dock, Hull Picture: Maik Brown
Fusedale H and Farndale H in Albert Dock, Hull Picture: Maik Brown

The two barges were both built in the 1960s at Harkers, Knottingley as petroleum tankers and later converted for dry cargo.

Maik Brown, from the Commercial Boat Operators Association, said: "It is great to see an additional barge added to the Hull to Leeds job.

"AC Aggregates are confident of increasing tonnages to Leeds in the New Year."

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