Fastnet Fish completes £2.6 million cold Store upgrade, doubling capacity and cutting carbon emissions.
On 10 October 2024, Fastnet Fish marked the completion of its £2.6 million cold store upgrade in Grimsby, a project co-funded by the UK’s Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Seafood Fund.
The upgrade has more than doubled the facility’s storage capacity and significantly improved energy efficiency, aligning with Fastnet’s commitment to decarbonisation in the energy-intensive cold storage sector, according to a release from the company.
The newly upgraded facility includes an additional 2,000 pallet locations, resulting in a 20% reduction in external storage charges and a 50% reduction in transport between stores. A new refrigeration plant, along with an enclosed loading bay, has reduced electricity consumption by 20%.
In its first year, the solar PV array has generated 132,000 kWh of electricity, accounting for 11% of the cold store’s total energy use. Voltage optimisation has also reduced electricity usage by 5-8%, contributing to an overall annual reduction of 400,000 kWh, equivalent to 82,828 kg of CO²e, or the emissions of 41 cars per year.
Other key upgrades include new dock levellers and electric forklift trucks, which have eliminated diesel use, reduced emissions, and delivered savings in intake and handling costs. Further operational benefits include a 75% reduction in plant repairs and maintenance, and a complete elimination of water charges and water treatment costs.
The project has also strengthened the local economy, with nearly all the work carried out by local companies and additional jobs created, including cold store managers, operatives, and multi-drop drivers.
Fastnet Fish is a supplier of high-quality seafood, sourcing over 45,000 tonnes annually for the UK and international markets. The company’s sustainability efforts are underpinned by MSC and ASC accreditation, as well as membership in industry bodies such as SEDEX and the Frozen At Sea Fillet Association. Fastnet Fish is part of the Andrew Marr International group.
