Fifty years after Drax Power Station stared generating power in North Yorkshire the Drax Group has named and launched a new transport ship the ‘Ultra Yorkshire’, in a ceremony at the Shin Kurushima Shipyard in Japan.
The ship is owned by Ultrabulk, which invited Drax to name the vessel in honour of the anniversary, and Drax selected the name in tribute to the county that is home to the power station.
Drax and Ultrabulk, the Danish-based global dry bulk operator, have a longstanding partnership. Ultrabulk is Drax’s largest freight provider and plays a key role in the company’s biomass supply chain, shipping sustainable wood pellets to Drax Power Station in the UK and to Japanese customers.
The ‘Ultra Yorkshire’ is a 40,000dwt bulk carrier and the launch ceremony was attended by representatives from Drax, Ultrabulk, the Shin Kirushima shipyard and a number of Japanese corporations.
Mark Gibbens, Drax Group’s Head of Logistics, said: “We are honoured that Ultrabulk allowed us to name the Ultra Yorkshire as part of Drax Power Station’s fiftieth anniversary celebrations. It was a privilege to participate in the launch ceremony of the new ship.
“Drax Power Station has kept the lights on for millions of homes and businesses across the UK over the years and, following its conversion to biomass generation, companies in our supply chain like Ultrabulk have become critical to its continued operation. We are proud of our strong and longstanding relationship with Ultrabulk.”
Ultrabulk CEO Hans-Christian Olesen said: “We are proud to celebrate the Drax Group and its fiftieth anniversary through the launch of the Ultra Yorkshire. This vessel is a great symbol of our long-standing partnership and shared commitment to sustainability and efficient logistics. We have always appreciated our close collaboration with Drax, and we look forward to continuing this successful partnership for many years to come.”
