LOGISTICS
Leading role – Marske-born Ryan Thompson has been appointed business development manager for central UK , based at ASCO ’ s site at Teesworks .
MAKING
WAVES
How a former art student turned skipper is helping to power ASCO ’ s growth on Teesside
PICTURES : STUART BOULTON WORDS : JULIE BURNISTON
ASCO , a global leader in logistics and materials management for the energy sector , is marking a significant milestone with its expansion into Teesside .
With more than 50 years ’ expertise in supply chain and logistics services , the company plays a vital role in supporting both offshore and onshore energy projects .
Its move into the region last year highlights both a commitment to strategic growth and a dedication to sustainable , low-carbon energy solutions , aligning with the UK ’ s net zero goals and supporting the nation ’ s transition to cleaner energy sources .
ASCO ’ s Teesside operations are centred at Teesworks , the UK ’ s largest industrial zone dedicated to sustainable energy and decarbonisation initiatives .
Teesworks is already home to major infrastructure projects , including SeAH Wind ’ s monopile manufacturing facility , one of the UK ’ s largest offshore wind investments .
By integrating into Teesside ’ s energy ecosystem , ASCO is not only expanding its service capabilities but also reinforcing its commitment to innovation , sustainability and regional economic growth – making it an indispensable partner in the next generation of global energy solutions .
At Steel River Quay , a newly constructed 450-metre heavy-lift quay , ASCO has been appointed as the exclusive provider of quayside management services , overseeing key services such as quayside planning , vessel coordination , stevedoring , materials and equipment management , environmental solutions , waste management and internal distribution for offshore energy projects .
Intrinsic to this contract is Ryan Thompson , ASCO ’ s central UK business development manager , who has a career trajectory unlike most in the industry .
Born and raised in Marske , Ryan attended Redcar ’ s Sacred Heart Catholic Secondary School before moving on to Cleveland College of Art and Design to study fine art . “ After graduating , I wasn ’ t doing much until a family friend , a skipper on a workboat on the Tees , told me I needed a ‘ proper job ’,” recalls Ryan .
“ That ’ s how I ended up on the deck of the Erimus Star , a bunk barge on the Tees . I was 18 and I fell in love with the life .”
Ryan spent three years working on deck and earning his certifications before eventually taking command of the vessel .
114 | Tees Business