FEATURE
WHEN THE BOAT COMES IN
Expertise – services include handling cargo documentation, co-ordinating deliveries and supporting vessel owners with husbandry requirements.
For more than half a century, Cockfield Knight has offered peace of mind to shipowners whose vessels dock at Port of Middlesbrough...
Based on the south bank of the River Tees, at AV Dawson’ s Port of Middlesbrough, shipping agency and ship broker Cockfield Knight has been helping vessels come and go for more than 50 years.
From handling paperwork and port logistics to ensuring everything runs like clockwork when a vessel docks, the firm has built a solid reputation as the go-to shipping agency on Teesside.
It’ s a business with deep roots but also one that is always looking ahead – balancing tradition with the demands of a fast-changing industry.
As a shipping agency, Cockfield Knight, part of the AV Dawson Group, is the vital link between shipowners, port authorities and local service providers.
It ensures everything runs smoothly when a vessel arrives at a port and supports ports across the north of England, including the Tees, Tyne and Wear, and also offers UK-wide representation.
Through services such as arranging pilotage and towage, handling customs documentation, co-ordinating deliveries and supporting crew members during their time ashore, Cockfield Knight ensures every detail is taken care of.
The team works around the clock to keep things moving, providing a seamless service which ensures safe, compliant and on-schedule deliveries, avoiding costly delays.
It’ s a role that demands precision, local knowledge and a steady hand – qualities Cockfield Knight has shown for generations.
General manager Gavin McCabe has over two decades of shipping experience. As well as his role at Cockfield Knight he is a director and secretary of Tees and Hartlepool Port Users Association( THPUA) and a director of Tees Maritime Cluster, created to drive economic growth and innovation in Teesside’ s maritime sector. He says:“ Every day is different, and that’ s what I love about it. One minute, the
Honour – Cockfield Knight GM Gavin McCabe is proud to have become a director of Tees Maritime Cluster.
team is dealing with a vessel that’ s just arrived from overseas, the next, working with port authorities or helping coordinate crew changes.
“ My role is about keeping things moving smoothly – for our clients and the team here. It combines problem-solving, planning and staying ahead of the curve.
“ It’ s rewarding to be part of a company with such a strong history and deeprooted values and knowing we play a key role in keeping Middlesbrough connected to the world.”
The benefit of being based at the Port of Middlesbrough is that it allows the team to be on-hand to support vessels coming
30 | Tees Business