FEATURE
Success - PD Ports CEO Frans Calje and COO and vice chairman Jerry Hopkinson welcome the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer to Teesport to announce the Tees Valley Combined Authority ’ s successful Freeport bid .
“ PD Ports has helped create 2,500 jobs and attracted over £ 1.4bn of investment since 2010 , supporting over 22,000 jobs in the wider supply chain .”
Places Catapult , the company has recently completed a feasibility study to investigate the use of a cloud-based , integrated digital solution for energy management to be rolled out across the UK ports sector .
To help reduce CO2 emissions , PD Ports has launched a new rail freight service to West Central Scotland – one of 27 connecting Teesport to destinations across the UK every week , with the capacity to remove 85,000 trucks from the road annually . A new Trans-Pennine rail service is also planned .
The firm has relaunched its Teesport Explorers programme to raise awareness of the maritime and logistics sectors in primary schools . It has also worked with the Teesside Charity , donating 20 Chromebooks to help Y9 students , as well as donating to the Tees Valley Education Trust . Other partnerships with the High Tide Foundation , North East School of Shipping , Tees Valley Logistics Academy and Teesside University continue too .
And as part of a wider commitment to sustainability , a new partnership with the
Triumph - PD Ports picks up the Business of the Year trophy 2022 at the Maritime UK Awards .
Tees River Trust aims to deliver further improvements to water quality and habitat on the River Tees .
As legal guardians of the River Tees , PD Ports launched a new Teesport website in 2021 , aimed at supporting future growth and success along the river . With more than 60 companies registered , the site boasts an interactive map to demonstrate to inward investors , employers and stakeholders the strength of industry in the Tees Valley .
The company ’ s award-winning apprenticeship programme also goes into its 21st year .
As for the second half of 2022 , Mr Calje says his team will continue to work alongside customers to advance major projects such as the £ 650m MGT biomass power station , while also pursuing new opportunities in renewable energy and continuing to invest in new technology .
Ongoing investment will include a new IMO-classed dredging vessel , a new warehouse and expansion of bulk handling facilities . Work is also set to continue on plans for the £ 350m Northern Gateway Container Terminal .
But Mr Calje remained quick to recognise the significance of owner Brookfield ’ s 2021 vote of confidence .
He said : “ Thanks to their ( Brookfield ’ s ) long-term support , PD Ports has helped create 2,500 jobs and attracted over £ 1.4bn of investment since 2010 , supporting over 22,000 jobs in the wider supply chain .
“ This is a track record that we will build on as we further our commitment to customers , sustainability and communities – investing in infrastructure , creating real jobs and delivering material opportunities .
“ It ’ s a commitment that will continue to resonate across the Tees Valley and the nation .”
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