LOGISTICS
Responsibility – Teesport is a critical gateway for international trade but also has an essential role to play in supporting Britain ’ s wider net zero ambitions .
NEUTRAL TERRITORY
Statutory Harbour Authority targets carbon neutrality for Teesport in just five years
PD Ports , one of the UK ’ s leading port operators and the largest private employer in the Tees Valley , is wholly committed to driving transformational change and playing its full part in the region ’ s future growth .
As the Statutory Harbour Authority and a major landowner , PD Ports also recognises the profound importance of preserving the environment in order to provide better surroundings in which to live and work .
Having set , and subsequently achieved , ambitious decarbonisation targets to reduce the carbon emissions produced by its Teesport
Driving forwards – PD Ports has taken delivery of its first electric vehicle after a successful trial . operations from 2019 levels to below those produced in 2000 , the port operator is now accelerating a drive towards reaching carbon neutrality in just the next four years .
It ’ s a target that doesn ’ t seem too far away thanks to a comprehensive programme of activity dedicated to reaching this milestone . In February , PD Ports took delivery of its first fully electric vehicle at Tees Dock after a successful trial period within the company ’ s conservancy department .
The electric van , which is the first to be delivered during the initial investment phase , forms part of the company ’ s wider plans to eliminate fossil fuel usage within its port vehicles and equipment , something CEO Frans Caljé is ensuring remains a priority .
“ I am delighted to see the arrival of the first fully electric vehicle at Tees Dock ,” said Frans . “ We have trialled their usage in our conservancy team for some time now and it ’ s clear the benefits that can be obtained .
“ Decarbonisation is such a prominent and important part of our strategy as we continue our journey towards becoming a smarter port , while also elevating ourselves as the UK ’ s premier seaport and logistics operator .
“ There is no denying that we operate within a sector typically reliant on heavy industry , but that is why we are placing such importance on researching , developing and implementing ways in which we can keep our environmental impact to an absolute minimum .
“ We have a responsibility to ensure we are reducing the negative impacts that complex supply chains can have , and that starts here
88 | Tees Business