The Port of Ipswich has consolidated its position as the UK’s number one port for grain exports by handling a record total of more than one million tonnes of grain during the 2015-16 harvest year.

During the 12 months to June 20, the port – owned by Associated British Ports (ABP) – handled 1,093,481 tonnes of grain, beating the previous best of 933,000 tonnes achieved in 2009-10 and an increase of nearly one third on last year’s total of 822,448.

Andrew Harston, ABP Short Sea Ports director, said: “The tonnage of grain we have seen handled at the Port of Ipswich in the recent harvest year signifies the importance of the East Anglian farming community.

“Britain has always had a strong role in exporting grains such as wheat to the rest of Europe. But following a steady grain season and the recent decline in the value of sterling, the export of wheat and other grain commodities has never been more competitive.

“Our customers Nidera and Clarkson Port Services have seen tremendous results this year and we look forward to working with them to ensure further success in the 2016/17 year.”

In the first half of 2016 alone, 563,760 tonnes of grain were exported from the Port of Ipswich, compared with 368,795 tonnes in the first half of 2015.

In the last 12 months 750 ships have called at the Port of Ipswich, a 17% increase from the previous harvest year.