GLENSANDA

• GBGSA
• Latitude: 56.5669
• Longitude: -5.53827
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in UK

Location: UK

Glensanda Marine Port is located on the west coast of Scotland, UK, specifically in the Morvern peninsula in the Highlands. It is renowned for being one of the largest granite quarry facilities in Europe and is operated exclusively by Aggregate Industries, a member of the LafargeHolcim Group. This harbor primarily serves as a shipping point for aggregate materials extracted from the quarry.

Specifications and Features:

1. Location:

   • Coordinates: 56.5821° N latitude, 5.5884° W longitude
   • Positioned along Loch Linnhe, a sea loch on Scotland's west coast.

2. Functions and Operations:

   • Primary Function: Export of granite aggregate.
   • Operational Since: The quarry began operations in 1986.

3. Facilities and Infrastructure:

   • Berths: High-capacity deepwater berths suitable for large bulk carriers.
   • Quay Length: Accommodates vessels up to Panamax size (approximately 60,000 to 80,000 DWT)
   • Loading Equipment: State-of-the-art conveyor systems that can load ships at rates of up to 6,000 metric tons per hour.

4. Capacity:

   • Annually handles over 6 million tons of aggregates.
   • Direct loading from quarry to ship minimizes handling and maximizes efficiency.

5. Access:

   • Marine Access: Deepwater port capable of handling large bulk carriers.
   • Land Access: Mainly isolated, with primary access through maritime routes due to the remoteness of the location.

6. Environmental Management:

   • Implements rigorous environmental management plans to mitigate the impact of quarrying and shipping activities.
   • Complies with stringent UK environmental regulations to preserve the surrounding natural habitat.

7. Economic Importance:

   • Significantly contributes to the local economy by providing employment and business opportunities.
   • Supports construction industries across the UK and Europe with high-quality aggregates.

8. Operational Logistics:

   • The port operates all year round.
   • Utilizes advanced logistic systems to ensure the seamless movement of materials from the quarry to the customer.

Additional Notes:

• Glensanda's unique aspect is its mode of operation which includes the use of a vertical shaft system known as the "Glory Hole," facilitating direct transportation of quarried materials to the port below.
• Aggregate Industries’ investment in the port and quarry infrastructure underscores the strategic importance of Glensanda in supplying vast quantities of construction materials efficiently and sustainably.