THE first delivery by ship to the Hinkley C site has taken place.
A shipload of some 6,000 tonnes of sand was delivered by the MV Aastun, sailing from Bristol Port, after the 500m long jetty was declared fully operational.
EDF says each delivery keeps around 300 lorry loads off the roads and the jetty is expected to handle the equivalent of around 100,000 lorry loads over its life.
The majority of aggregates are quarried in Somerset and are being used to make concrete for the new nuclear power station.
Much if it comes from Hanson UK’s Whatley quarry, near Frome, where it can be transported directly by rail to Bristol Port, before travelling the last 32 miles to Hinkley Point C by ship.
Other large loads are being delivered by sea to Combwich Wharf on the River Parrett.
READ MORE: Hinkley C build hits biggest landmark yet
The scale of the operation means that the Hinkley Point C has its own Harbour Master, Will Barker.
“The new jetty is part of our plan for helping the construction of Hinkley Point C to be both efficient and to lessen its environmental impact," he said.
"The power station will play a major part in fighting climate change and its low carbon electricity will avoid the emission of over 600 million tonnes of C02.
"The jetty is an example of how we are making a difference during the construction phase too.”
The jetty opening follows other steps taken by Hinkley Point C to lessen its environmental impact, including a new roundabout on the A39 and a bypass for Cannington village – complete with underpasses for bats, otters and badgers and a new pond for great crested newts.
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