We take great pride in our status as custodians of the river
LOGISTICS
We take great pride in our status as custodians of the river
Keeping watch - a crucial role that oversees all vessel traffic on the Tees and into the Port of Hartlepool .
If we ’ ve had a period of poor weather , with ships unable to safely enter port , there will be delayed movements to manage once conditions have improved . This can result in an increased number of ships entering port in a short period of time .
There are often judgement calls to make , but safety is our priority .
We work hard to put out early weather warnings if there is a poor forecast , which means customers can amend their schedules and minimise delays . It ’ s much better to set expectations and we ’ ve had a good reception to those efforts .
Ultimately , the harbour master has one role – to keep the Tees a safe harbour , ready for ships to come and trade .
Today , Teesport – comprising the River Tees and Port of Hartlepool – is among the 10 biggest ports in western Europe and contributes an estimated £ 1.4 billion to the UK economy each year , supporting complex supply chains and a range of industries along the banks of the river .
No two days the same The VTS team at the Harbour Office work
Key roles – the harbour master is supported by a team of 13 Vessel Traffic Service ( VTS ) operators , including seven assistant harbour masters and six VTS officers .
12-hour shifts , providing 24 / 7 coverage , 365 days a year .
Historically , we have recruited former seafarers and military personnel to the role of assistant harbour master and VTS officer , but with fewer people now joining the Merchant Navy - my own career path - we have now developed a career pathway to advance VTS officers to the role of assistant harbour master .
This includes rigorous training to international standards .
On busy days , it can be a stressful job .
Proud custodians The Tees is largely invisible to the public in its lower reaches , hidden behind industry . What we have is a sleeping giant .
One of the most well-known sights visible from the beaches of Redcar and Seaton Carew is the ships anchored out to sea . Many people think they ’ re waiting for the tide , but that isn ’ t always the case , they ’ re more likely to be waiting for a berth to become available .
At PD Ports , and within the Harbour Office , we take great pride in our status as custodians of the river – my main driver is to keep the port operating successfully , to keep it safe and to make sure it has a future .
This is my tenure of looking after this river and allowing it to flourish . It ’ s something I ’ m passionate about .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 43