The UK’s second-largest port operator, Peel Ports Group is inviting contractors to submit bids for two new frameworks covering a major long-term programme of construction works across its UK and Ireland sites, worth a total of £750 million.

The port operator is seeking to appoint contractors to the two frameworks for a period of up to eight years, with one framework covering general construction and the other covering marine construction.

The frameworks cover construction projects across the Group’s entire portfolio of UK and Ireland ports, including the Port of Liverpool, Heysham Port, Manchester Ship Canal, London Medway, its Clydeport sites, Great Yarmouth, and Dublin Port.

The move underpins the delivery of Peel Ports’ long-term construction pipeline, with the scope of the frameworks covering both existing infrastructure improvements, and the development of new infrastructure.

Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director - Port Services at Peel Ports Group said: “Our ports form a network of busy logistics hubs servicing local, national and global supply chains, and this move represents a huge step in our efforts to futureproof that network, so we can keep responding and adapting to our port users’ needs in an agile way.

“The long-term nature of these framework agreements allows us to build meaningful, commercially sustainable partnerships with our construction contractors. It further allows us to appoint a collection of regional suppliers to give us breadth and depth of scope, skill, and responsiveness; the way the frameworks are structured provides invaluable opportunities for the successful partners to design and build sustainable solutions for our various projects, in what will be a truly collaborative approach as we aim for Net zero by 2040.”

The first framework’s scope covers general construction works including drainage; the construction and maintenance of new and existing roads and carparks; earthworks and ground remediation; foundations and piling; the construction, maintenance and refurbishment of new and existing warehouses; paving, surfacing and concrete works; rail construction; bridge construction and refurbishment; and demolition.

The second framework covers specialist marine construction works including piling; asset renewal and refurbishment; berthing furniture and bollards; quay walls; Lock and Sluice gate maintenance and replacement; and RoRo.

The call for tenders notes that bidders should be able to demonstrate first class delivery of health, safety, environmental and quality requirements, including local community engagement and supporting Peel Ports Group in the delivery of its ambition to become a net-zero port operator by 2040. It also emphasises the importance of the application of lean construction methodologies and managing change effectively and efficiently.

The procurement process is expected to take place throughout 2024, with contracts expected to be awarded towards the end of 2024.

The full notice is available to view here.

In south-west Scotland, Peel Ports Clydeport is set for a record year handling wind turbine components at the King George V Dock site in Glasgow as the operator continues to support the renewable energy sector.

The UK’s second largest port operator will process over a thousand components, weighing more than 60,000 tonnes, at the site throughout 2024.

Since 2005 Peel Ports Clydeport has handled over 1,200 wind turbines through King George V Dock, resulting in more than 35 percent of total capacity installed in Scotland – more than any other port across the country.

The expected tonnage for 2024 marks a bumper year ahead for the facility, located on the banks of the River Clyde, which has a strong track record in transporting components used for onshore based wind projects.

Representing a significant increase in tonnage from last year, some 1,050 components, 100 complete turbines, and 249 blades from North Kyle Windfarm in East Ayrshire are set to go through the port’s deep-sea dock facility this year. The group will further handle around 550 blades, 100 drivetrains, 100 nacelles and 300 tower sections.

King George V Dock’s deep-sea facility is uniquely equipped to accommodate the handling of large-scale wind turbine components, allowing efficient movement of vital equipment to and from wind farm sites.

With Clydeport anticipating a surge in wind components in the year ahead, the news reflects growing momentum across Scotland’s renewables sector, and will help drive the country towards meeting its sustainable energy targets.

Jim McSporran, port director at Peel Ports Clydeport, said: “We’re all proud to be a major player in driving Scotland’s renewable energy ambitions forward.

“The tonnage set to pass through King George V Dock in the year ahead is really impressive, but what’s more, it shows the confidence of those working across the renewables sector in our ability to open the door for the seamless, and vital, transportation of key components.

“As the world looks to rise to the most urgent environmental challenges, the need for renewable energy has never been greater. A key part of our strategy moving forward is to ensure we are ready to help the sector meet this demand.”

Across the Irish Sea, Peel Ports Group on Merseyside and Spanish shipping operator, Suardiaz Lines launched a UK-first Green Automotive manufacturing Hub, which will significantly reduce supply chain emissions in the north-west England. 

The £10 million facility which is the first of its kind in the UK, was officially opened in a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday, as it welcomed a Suardiaz ro-ro vessel (Afloat has identified as Friedrich Russ which today is returning to Vigo in Spain) on which it will service a twice-weekly shipping route. 

Located on a 9.5-acre site at Queen Elizabeth II Dock at Eastham, within Peel Ports’ Mersey cluster, the Hub will power sustainable vehicle manufacturing and facilitate a greener end-to-end maritime logistics service in the North West.

Developed in partnership with global logistics firm Suardiaz for leading automaker Stellantis, the service will supply parts for Ellesmere Port’s vehicle manufacturing site, which is now the first of its plants to produce solely battery-electric models for commercial and passenger vehicles.

The maritime route servicing the plant is projected to reduce annual CO2 emissions by 30% and energy consumption by 37%, when compared to road travel. It is expected to take an estimated 14,700 lorry journeys off roads across the UK and continental Europe annually, saving approximately 17.5 million kilometres (c.11 million miles) in road trips.

Claudio Veritiero, CEO at Peel Ports said: "This new Green Automotive Hub is set to be a gamechanger in cutting supply chain emissions and road congestion in the UK. It’s a great example of the forward thinking cooperation that is needed to reduce the impact of the maritime and logistics sectors on the environment. We have consistently said that reducing road miles will be central to combating climate change, but we know that can only be achieved by providing sustainable alternatives utilising ports in close proximity to final destinations.

“An essential element of our sustainability drive is close collaboration with like-minded businesses, and we are delighted to partner with Suardiaz and Stellantis on this pioneering project.”

Juan Riva, President and CEO of Suardiaz, said: “This new Suardiaz Terminal is the result of the excellent collaboration between Peel Ports and Suardiaz, as well as the trust vested by Stellantis in Suardiaz to establish and execute the supply chain for Ellesmere Port Plant.

“The Intermodal solution we have implemented for the Ellesmere Port factory, which combines road and maritime transport, will significantly reduce CO2 emissions by eliminating over 14,000 trucks from European and British roads.

“Furthermore, we are actively engaged with Peel Ports, Freeports, and the Ellesmere Port Plant to facilitate the adoption of Cold Ironing and the electrification of the last mile by using electric trucks. The imminent introduction of biofuels to our ships will further strengthen our commitment to the decarbonisation and sustainability of our maritime-land corridors, in the same spirit under which Stellantis electric vehicles are manufactured.”

Diane Miller, Ellesmere Port Plant Director, Stellantis, said: “We’re thrilled to be marking the opening of the new Green Automotive Hub at Queen Elizabeth II Eastham dock. Following the start of electric vehicle production earlier this year, this is another important milestone for Ellesmere Port, enabling us to establish a sustainable supply chain through a new maritime shipping route with our sister plant in Vigo, Spain. I’d like to thank Peel Ports and Suardiaz for their collaboration on this groundbreaking project.”

Peel Ports and Suardíaz invested a combined £10 million in recommissioning an existing berth at the dock and installing the infrastructure needed to support the processing of the Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) ships and their cargo to develop the Hub.

The launch of the Green Automotive Hub represents the latest move by Peel Ports to improve the sustainability of its operations. In 2021 the Group announced its commitment to becoming a net zero port operator by 2040, ten years ahead of the UK Government’s target.

The largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, Stena Line has said it hopes to launch a route from Birkenhead, on the Wirral peninsula, to Dublin Port following news that a historic Liverpool route is set to be axed.

The announcement follows from rival, P&O Ferries which said it intends to close its (two-ropax operated central Irish Sea) Liverpool-Dublin service at the end of this year, in what was described as a "huge blow" to the two cities.

The Swedish owned Stena Line which already operates out of Merseyside with the Birkenhead-Belfast route, understands that Dublin Port is to initiate a selection process to identify a potential new operator on the Ireland-UK corridor linking the Liffey and Merseyside.

Stena Line which also operates Dublin-Holyhead on the central corridor, said it will participate fully in this process and will be "registering an interest in re-establishing a Dublin–Birkenhead service."

A spokesman for Peel Ports Group, the UK’s second largest port operator, confirmed that the P&O Ferries service would no longer be calling into Liverpool on expiration of their existing contract at the end of 2023. 

The ferry company which operate twin ropax's on the 8-hour route declined to say why the contract had not been renewed.

Liverpool Echo has more on this development. 

The UK's second largest ports operator, Peel Ports Group is investing £28 million in a new facility at the Port of Liverpool, its biggest single investment in warehousing this year.

Construction of the 240,000 square foot warehouse at the port operator’s Alexandra Dock is to begin in the coming days.

The new facility, referred to as Alexandra Dock Multi-User Warehouse (MUW), will be the length of up to five football pitches (400 metres) and used for the handling and storage of cargo at the port.

It will be able to store a variety of commodities, both unitised and non-unitised requiring indoor storage.

The facility will also have 300 metres of dedicated quayside and state-of-the-art cranes to optimise vessel discharge as part of the new development.

David Huck, Chief Operating Officer at Peel Ports Group, said: “We’re very pleased to be announcing the construction for this major purpose-built space at the Port of Liverpool.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for warehousing, and this huge new facility provides an opportunity for new customers looking for capacity to grow their business, as well as allowing existing customers the chance to expand their operational capacity at the port.

“This also represents a very important milestone for Peel Ports Group, enhancing both our warehousing and distribution offerings while enabling more sustainable port-centric solutions.

“We’ve long argued the benefits of the Port of Liverpool’s central location, and this new facility will also provide real cost, carbon and congestion supply chain benefits to the market.”

The new state-of-the-art, dynamic storage facility has been maximised for storage volumes, discharge performance and fast HGV turnaround times.

The project is expected to be completed in April 2024 and the work will be carried out by leading construction company Glencar.

Commenting on the project, Peter Goodman, Managing Director – Midlands & North, said: “Working with some of the UK’s leading asset managers, developers and occupiers, Glencar has developed a market leading reputation in the delivery of industrial and logistics facilities.

“We understand the commercial imperative to produce sustainable and high-quality structures, often at speed, creating lasting value for asset owners and are delighted to be working for leading UK Port Operator Peel Ports to construct this multi-user warehouse development.

“Ports serve as a critical part of the UK Supply Chain and multi-users facilities of this type contribute towards the continuation of the import and export of vital goods. We look forward to working with the full project team progressing the project to a successful end product.”

Svitzer's 22 strong fleet of tugs operating in Peel Ports locations in the UK have successfully been converted from Marine Gas Oil (MGO) to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO).

Annual emission reductions of close to 15,000 tonnes of CO2 are expected in support of Peel Ports’ net zero by 2040 commitment.

Peel Ports, the second largest ports group in the UK, enabling businesses to benefit from innovative and sustainable port centric solutions, and Svitzer, the world’s leading provider of sustainable marine services and part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, are jointly taking important steps forward to become net zero by 2040.

Throughout 2022, Svitzer converted 55 of its UK-based tugs from Marine Gas Oil (MGO) onto hydrogenated vegetable oil-based fuels (HVO), sourced only from secondary feed stock (waste products), thereby dramatically reducing carbon emissions for its fleet.

At Peel Port locations, Svitzer’s MGO to HVO conversion was performed on 22 tugs starting in April 2022. With more than 8,000 tug jobs performed in Liverpool, Greenock/Grangemouth, and London-Medway, approximately 11,500 tonnes of CO2 were saved in 2022 alone. Going forward, this will result in annual emission reductions close to 15,000 tonnes of CO2.

At the same time, Svitzer’s implementation of its “Aim for 8!”behavioural change program, which focuses on keeping tug mobilisation and demobilisation speeds below 8 knots, has enabled an additional avoidance of 2,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions across Europe since 2020.

Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director of Port Services said: “Being a responsible business means taking an active role in protecting and enhancing the environments that we operate within, ensuring a more sustainable future for all. This commitment is reflected in the wide range of carbon saving initiatives we’ve already undertaken, from electrifying our vehicles to using HVO as an alternative to diesel in our plant and equipment. This focus was recognised in March when Peel Ports was named Clean Maritime Operator of the Year at the Maritime UK Awards 2023. Our partnership with Svitzer underlines the benefits of working closely with the Ports supply chain and ecosystems to achieve Net Zero.”

Certified scope 3 emission reductions

Peel Ports and Svitzer both share the ambition of reaching net zero by 2040. Within that context, Svitzer customers operating in and out of Peel Port locations can benefit from carbon-neutral towage services through certified scope 3 emission reductions (according to Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials standards) through its EcoTow solution.

Gareth Prowse, Head of Decarbonisation, says: “With an estimated 95 % of the world’s goods traded by sea, ports, as significant enablers of trade, play an instrumental role in helping to reduce climate change. At Svitzer, we’re excited to support Peel Ports in their efforts to decarbonise marine operations by offering ships operating in the port 100 % carbon neutral towage services[1] through our EcoTow solution. It’s another important step forward to reduce the CO2 intensity of our global fleet by 50 % by 2030 and to have 100% carbon neutral operations by 2040.”

He continues: ”We’re making a serious commitment towards decarbonisation, and based on our recent discussions with Peel Ports, there’s no doubt that they’re equally committed to decarbonisation. This applies through investments in sustainable infrastructure, by bringing sustainable solutions to customers and port user networks, through partnerships, and by constantly challenging the status quo. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration focusing on how to best support Peel Ports’ vision of becoming a net zero port operator.”

In the UK alone, Svitzer’s conversion of 55 tugs saved 22,000+ tonnes of CO2 last year and will result in a 38,000+ tonnes annual emissions reduction going forward, almost 14 % of the company’s total carbon emissions from MGO.

For more information about EcoTow, Svitzer’s carbon neutral towage service, click here.

[1] Measured based on a Tank to Wake perspective for fuel consumption.

One of the UK’s largest port operators, Peel Port Group has announces that it has completed the acquisition of HES Humber Bulk Terminal for an undisclosed sum.

The ports group has acquired the business from specialist bulk terminals operator, HES International (headquartered in Rotterdam), to expand its presence to the UK’s East Coast.

The acquisition means Peel Ports now operates across eight key locations in the UK and Ireland, with the ports of Liverpool, Heysham, Manchester Ship Canal, London Medway, Clydeport, Great Yarmouth and a container terminal in Dublin Port already within its portfolio.

The new bulk terminal, situated on the South Bank of the Humber Estuary, will be operated by Peel Ports Logistics, a division of Peel Ports Group that specialises in ‘One-Stop-Shop’ logistics solutions.

The acquisition marks Peel Ports Logistics’ third UK presence and its first on the East Coast. Its other operations are located in the North West, at Runcorn and Ellesmere Port respectively. The division is led by Managing Director, Sebastian Gardiner.

The terminal has an open storage capacity of 6,200 m2 and a covered storage facility of 275,000 m3. With an automated conveyor-fed import and export system, the terminal delivers safe and efficient handling and storage of a variety of dry bulk products.

Bulk customers in key industries including agriculture, construction and energy, will be able to benefit from the expertise, experience and streamlined operations with the expansion of Peel Ports Logistics’ ‘One-Stop-Shop’ solutions to the region.

The HES Humber Bulk Terminal currently employs 29 people, all of whom will be retained as part of the acquisition.

Claudio Veritiero, CEO of Peel Ports Group, said: “The acquisition of HES Humber Bulk Terminal is an important investment for Peel Ports Group, expanding our presence into the East of England and bringing Peel Ports Logistics’ ‘One-Stop-Shop’ service to the East Coast.“The modern facilities at HES Humber Bulk Terminal guarantee fast and efficient loading and unloading of vessels and trucks, while the excellent water and road connections enable quick and smooth operations. This, combined with trans-shipment and extensive storage capabilities, will make the site a key addition to Peel Ports Logistics, helping us to deliver efficient and cost-effective port services for our customers.”

Cees van Gent, CEO of HES International, said: “We would sincerely like to thank all HES Humber Bulk Terminal employees for their ongoing commitment and valuable contribution to the company. Peel Ports has a long and outstanding history in the safe handling of cargo from across the globe and plays an integral role in customer supply chains.

“They are a reputable market player in the UK and we are confident that they will support HES Humber Bulk Terminal to build on its successful history. Proceeds from the sale will be reinvested in energy transition related projects that are pivotal for the long-term, sustainable growth and transformation of HES.”

Peel Ports Group, one of the UK’s largest port operators, has won the Maritime UK award for seizing opportunities presented within the UK Government’s strategy for the sector - including its commitment to become a net zero port operator by 2040.

The leading port group emerged successful in the 2050 category after demonstrating its impressive focus on the core objectives of the Maritime strategy, which was created in partnership between the Government and industry.

The award, which was sponsored by the Department for Transport, acknowledges the steps the port operator has taken to deliver on the seven key strategic themes of the initiative, which are: Environment, Infrastructure, Technology, Security&Resilience, People, UK Competitive Advantage and Trade.

The win comes off the back of what was another game-changing year for Peel Ports, with the group demonstrating continued resilience in the face of the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic and Brexit.

In 2021, the group announced its commitment to becoming net zero by 2040, ten years ahead of the Government’s national targets. It is the first major port group to make such an ambitious pledge.

In addition, last year, the port operator enabled the launch of several new services and trade opportunities, such as a freight-only ferry service connecting the Port of Sheerness and Calais with operator DFDS and the expansion of new multi-modal rail connections and crane capacity at the Port of Liverpool.

Major infrastructure investments over the last decade, to the tune of £1.2 billion, include the concept and launch of Liverpool2, a £400m deep water container terminal and the £100m development of a custom-built biomass import facility. It also includes the ongoing regeneration of Hunterston PARC, showcased by the government as one of the UK’s most exciting inward investment opportunities for the blue and green economy.

Speaking of the award, Mark Whitworth, CEO at Peel Ports said: “Being recognised for our efforts in the 2050 category is a fantastic, progressive achievement for our teams.

“We are proud to have worked tirelessly to support the key objectives of Maritime 2050, as well as facilitating continuous economic growth at a national and regional level.

“The recognition from our peers supports the resilience we have shown in the face of challenges posed by the pandemic, global port congestion and Brexit.

“Our teams continue to rise to every challenge and our success over the last 12 months has further positioned our ambitions for sustainable growth and the positive economic impact this has on the regions we operate within.”

The Maritime UK Awards ceremony took place on 10 March at the Glasgow Science Centre, with the awards presented by award-winning broadcaster Jennifer Reoch.

The event celebrates the work of the maritime sector, which is one of the UK’s biggest industries, adding £46.1bn to the economy every year and supporting 1.1 million jobs.

The Maritime UK Awards are open to all organisations from across the breadth of the maritime sector, including shipping, ports, services, engineering and leisure, and the award categories themselves are designed to reflect the themes of the Maritime 2050 strategy.

It is the third award Peel Ports Group has won in the last 12 months after being recognised as Greenfleet’s private sector commercial fleet of the year for its conversion to electric vehicles, as well as winning UK Ports Directory’s port operator of the year award.

One of the UK’s largest port operators, Peel Ports Group which among its facilities includes a container terminal in Dublin Port, has announced major changes to its senior leadership team which is to take effect from 4 April 2022.

Having grown on average by 10% year-on-year for the last decade, and with over £1.2 billion being invested into its operations over the same period, the group’s announcement reinforces its ambition to future-proof the business whilst delivering the next phase of its long-term strategy.

⦁ Chairman Tom Allison is standing down but will remain on the board representing shareholder interests of Peel Group as a non-executive director.
⦁ Mark Whitworth will stand down as Chief Executive Officer but will assume the role of Chairman, overseeing the strategic development and governance of the group.
⦁ Claudio Veritiero will take over as new CEO as the group readies to commence a new investment programme across its primary assets

Mark Whitworth said: “For more than a decade we have consistently been at the forefront of the UK ports industry for the delivery of growth and investment. This has been a transformational period for the business and one that has enabled the group to create thousands of high value jobs within our existing and new facilities.”

“Given that stability in the company leadership has been a cornerstone of our success, the changes we are announcing today have been two years in the planning to ensure a smooth transition.”

“We have ambitious plans to maintain the growth trajectory, which in turn will continue to create positive results not only for our company, but also for the regions and communities we operate within, for many years to come.”

“The time is right for change and Claudio will be integral to making that change happen as he leads the business into an exciting new era.”

Mark Whitworth joined Peel Ports as Chief Executive in 2010 and over his tenure has led major transformations across the business, including the concept and launch of Liverpool2, a £400 million deep water container terminal, the £100m development of a custom-built biomass import terminal for Drax Group plc and the ongoing regeneration of major hubs such as Hunterston PARC and the Inchgreen Dry Dock in Scotland.

Significant acquisitions including the Port of Great Yarmouth and Quality Freight (now known as Peel Ports Logistics) are also included in Mark’s successful portfolio, all contributing to three-fold growth in profitability from when he joined the business.

Speaking about Tom Allison’s retirement as chairman, Mark added: “Tom has been an outstanding mentor throughout his time with our group and has overseen an unprecedented period of success. His business acumen and strategic counsel have been critical over the last 25 years and we are privileged to have him continuing to support the company as a non-executive director.”

Tom Allison was appointed Chief Executive of Clydeport PLC in 1997 and subsequently led the creation of Peel Ports Group in 2003. He then combined the role of CEO and Chairman, overseeing the acquisition of Mersey Docks and Harbour Company in 2005.

Claudio Veritiero joined Peel Ports in 2021 with over 25 years of experience working in the infrastructure, logistics, property development and financing markets. He was previously Chief Operating Officer of Kier Group Plc and has held roles as Chief Operating Officer of Speedy Hire and in the investment banking advisory division of Rothschild & Co.

Claudio said: “Since joining Peel Ports a year ago, I’ve been taken by the calibre of our people, our operations and our customer relationships. I’m delighted to be taking on the role of CEO and will look to build on the unprecedented success that Mark has led over 12 years. One of my priorities will be to take stock of the changing needs of our customers and the port communities in which we operate so that we can further enhance our offering and customer experience.”

“Ports are a vital catalyst for the whole economy, not just the supply chain, with a crucial role to play in creating jobs and enabling economic regeneration. I look forward to working closely with the leadership teams across the business, our customers and our commercial and community partners, as we deliver the next phase of our growth journey.”

Latest Department for Transport data confirms Peel Ports to be one of the fastest growing port groups in the UK, already handling 70 million tonnes of cargo per year and with 15% of the UK’s total port traffic traveling through its waters.

Peel Ports’ key facilities include Port of Liverpool, Manchester Ship Canal, Heysham Port, Clydeport, Great Yarmouth, London Medway and in Dublin Port, the Marine Terminals Ltd container terminal. (Afloat adds the MTL facility is located on the south quays, see photo above).

The ports group also owns BG Freight, the short-sea shipping operator that offers a range of freight and logistics services through Peel Ports Logistics. The group has seen significant growth, averaging 10% year on year across the last 10 years and outlaying over £1.2bn into projects over the same period.

The Peel Ports Group (see stake deal) has committed to becoming a net zero port operator by 2040, a decade ahead of the UK Government’s national decarbonising targets.

The UK's second largest port operator, headquartered in Liverpool, owns some of the UK’s largest and most important ports including the Port of Liverpool, Clydeport and London Medway, and is the first major port group to convey such ambitious plans towards tackling climate change.

The group has unveiled a number of initiatives and investments to help drive a more sustainable agenda and reach the net zero milestone by 2040 across all of its locations in the UK and Ireland (Dublin Port's MTL Terminals adds Afloat). 

As part of COP26, Peel Ports Group is hosting two workshops at the International Maritime Hub, in collaboration with the British Ports Association, the UK Major Ports Group, Maritime UK and City of Glasgow College.

By the end of this year, Peel Ports aims to have 50% of its vehicle fleet replaced with electric cars, with the remainder in place by December 2022, and is currently undergoing trials of greener fuels and electric alternatives for the future of its operational machinery and equipment.

The port operator views investment as being the key to resiliency and has been passionate about developing a sustainable future for the supply chain for many years.

Peel Ports has invested over £1.2 billion across the last decade on sustainable infrastructure and technology to future proof its operations including the delivery of energy efficient cranes, LED lighting and choosing sustainable, low emission equipment and suppliers.

Mark Whitworth, CEO of Peel Ports said: Our ports provide critical infrastructure as the UK’s gateways for food, medical, energy and fuel supplies. It is therefore important that as a responsible business we incite positive change in the UK’s logistics market to tackle climate change

“We understand and acknowledge our responsibility to minimising the environmental impact of our operations for the benefit of the planet, while also ensuring the smooth continuation of the supply chain”

“Our vision for the future of our business, our people, our customers and our communities is ambitious. Ultimately, our net zero plans will work towards achieving long-term sustainable growth that has a positive impact on the environment, as well as regional and local economies for generations to come.”

The port operator is also promoting the benefits of ports closer to the end destination, in order to reduce emissions, as well as introducing major new rail services for better connectivity, taking tonnes of freight off the road.

It will also continue to support the changing energy markets with both offshore and onshore wind sites available across its various locations.

Furthermore, in order to future-proof its carbon neutral needs, the group has also created an Innovation Forum which seeks to answer some of the biggest questions around the reduction of emissions. The forum tracks down answers from universities, entrepreneurs and start-ups, which in turn pitch their ideas and solutions. The best of these can be deployed at scale with the necessary investment from the business.