The UK’s second-largest port operator, Peel Ports Group, has appointed an international shipping executive, Audrey Dolhen, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), Unitised.
Audrey joins the port operator from ZIM Shipping, where she served as managing director for the UK business. She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across the container shipping and logistics sector.
In her new role as COO, Audrey will join the Peel Ports Group Executive Board and will bring together the Irish Sea containers and ro-ro operations across Liverpool, Heysham, and Dublin Port.
Afloat notes their MTL Terminal, at Ringend, Dublin, produces a throughput of 250,000 TEUs per year, with direct lo-lo connections to the UK, the Netherlands, France, Iberia, and onwards worldwide served by BG Freight (a subsidiary of Peel Port Group), CMA/CGM, DFDS, MacAndrews, and Seago Maersk.
These three Irish Sea port businesses handle more than 1.4 million units of cargo annually for major shipping lines and freight operators and form a key part of Peel Ports Group’s long-term growth strategy.
Before joining ZIM Shipping, Audrey spent two decades with CMA CGM, holding senior commercial and leadership positions around the world, including managing director for India, chief commercial officer for China, and managing director for the UK.
Having lived and worked across Europe and Asia, including at CMA CGM’s global headquarters in Marseille, Audrey has extensive experience of international trade and the changing demands of global shipping markets.
Commenting on her appointment, Audrey said, "I'm incredibly excited to be joining Peel Ports Group at a time when there is such a clear opportunity to build on the strong foundations already in place across our unitised markets.
“Having spent my career working with shipping lines and customers around the world, I understand what drives their decisions and what they need from their port partners.
“Across our Irish Sea container and ro-ro businesses, I see significant potential to grow volumes, strengthen customer relationships, and attract new services by combining operational excellence with a truly customer-focused approach.”
Audrey’s role will bring together the Group’s Irish Sea container and ro-ro operations. While David Huck, Chief Operating Officer, Ports and Marine, will continue to lead the strategic prioritisation and growth of all other activities across the Group’s Statutory Harbour Authorities and port operations, which collectively handle 40 million tonnes of cargo each year.
