FEATURE
Ambition - CEO Frans Calje is keen for PD Ports to support other river users in embracing technology .
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CEO Frans Calje explained how the recent launch of a new , Teesportfocused digital platform is the latest step in enabling the statutory harbour authority to drive forward its bold ambition , while further strengthening Teesport ’ s position as the UK ’ s northern gateway for international trade .
“ Teesport already has a proven track record in attracting large-scale , private , inward investment ,” said Frans . “ Our future vision centres around building on that success and maximising new opportunities to support continued growth .
“ We recognise that our progress is dependent on our ability to embrace new systems and technology and that ’ s why , alongside our own internal journey of digitalisation as we strive to become a ‘ smarter port ’, we want to support other river users in embracing technology to achieve growth .
“ This new platform is a window to showcase the strengths of Teesport ’ s world-class infrastructure , excellent connectivity and unrivalled skills base .”
After unveiling its plans for the innovative platform six months ago , PD Ports is now celebrating the official launch of the new website , while continuing to encourage other Teesport-based businesses to get involved to enhance the national and international competitiveness of the River Tees .
“ The River Tees is the lifeblood of the Tees Valley ,” said Frans . “ A leading gateway for international trade , the river provides 24 / 7 access to a wealth of global markets and links the Tees Valley to key industrial connections around the world .
“ This new platform is built to promote our collective offering to inward investors , demonstrate the unique strengths we have as a region and a river and promote job and training opportunities to deliver better prospects and a brighter future for people across the Tees Valley .
“ We have seen that a collaborative approach is key to enhancing the global competitiveness of Teesport and by continuing to work alongside customers and stakeholders , investing in the future of trade and the future of technology , we will not only help sustain the revival of the River Tees , but we will also help drive its transformation .”
“ The River Tees is the lifeblood of the Tees Valley ”
In achieving its ambitions to boost trade , create high-quality jobs and build on its proven track record of attracting private investment , PD Ports also remains wholly committed to playing its part in supporting the communities and environment that surround the river – a priority the company sees as vitally important to the long-term success of the region .
As part of this pledge , Frans was recently appointed patron of the Tees Rivers Trust , enabling PD Ports and the charity to join forces to deliver on shared objectives when it comes to improving and conserving the water quality and habitat of the River Tees .
“ It ’ s a great privilege to be appointed as patron for the River Tees Trust and I very much look forward to sharing our collective knowledge , expertise and resources on a number of exciting upcoming projects ,” said Frans .
“ Consideration and empathy for our people and our surroundings is central to our culture at PD Ports and this plays a significant role in our wider commitment to reducing our overall environmental impact .
“ By 2027 , our aim is to be carbonneutral across our Tees-based operations . We are currently working on plans to fully embrace hydrogen technology that will serve port vehicles while ensuring we play our full role in positioning the River Tees at the forefront of the renewable energy and decarbonisation agenda .
“ Part of that commitment also involves delivering a better place to live , conserving and improving the ecosystem that surrounds us and increasing biodiversity in order to create a vibrant , thriving environment for future generations .
“ The River Tees houses some incredible wildlife , including salmon , porpoises and seals that are allowed to thrive as a result of the well-maintained waters . We must do all we can to sustain the harmonious environment between industry and nature that we currently benefit from .”
The Tees Rivers Trust , which was established in 2008 , is the only conservation body committed solely to the management and improvement of the whole of the Tees catchment .
Ben Lamb , a trustee of the Tees Rivers Trust , said : “ We are at a challenging yet exciting and pivotal point in our approach to how we manage and balance our needs with the natural environment . This collaboration with PD Ports will help the trust to develop its work , especially in the Tees estuary .”
This partnership builds on PD Ports ’ continued commitment to maintaining the river and its operational ambitions to reach carbon neutrality across Teesport by 2027 .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 41