24 January 2013 Last updated at 05:57 ET

Port of Tyne plan could bring 1,200 jobs

The port is the largest handler of wood pellets in Europe

Up to 1,200 jobs are being promised with a £180m expansion plan for the Port of Tyne.

The proposals, for the south bank of the river, include storage facilities for imported wood pellet bio fuel.

But the plan is dependent on the port, which is already the largest handler of wood pellets in Europe, finding an energy firm to partner the project.

The port estimates the proposals could create 900 jobs in construction and 300 more permanent posts.

The Port of Tyne, once famous for coal exports, is now the UK's largest car exporter, the fourth largest coal importer and one of the largest handlers of wood pellet in the world.

Future sustainability

Chief executive officer Andrew Moffat said: "It is in renewable energy where we see the next major area of growth for us.

"That is why we are working with major companies in the power generation industry to identify their future requirements and making sure we will be ready to meet their needs.

"These are very significant plans for the Port of Tyne, which are imperative for both the sustainability of the port and the future delivery of the government's carbon reduction targets."

South Shields MP David Miliband, said: "This is very good news for South Shields and the surrounding communities.

"This will provide the jobs we very much need in this area now and for the future, and, importantly, is supporting the growth of renewable fuels to provide the clean, green energy we need for the future."

Planning applications are due to submitted later this year.