FEATURE
Legacy – Jonathan Marshall and Matt Wilson of Navigator Terminals, which has played a key role in Teesside’ s industrial story for more than 40 years.
ANCHORED IN TEESSIDE
WORDS: PAUL FRASER PICTURES: TOM BANKS
How Navigator Terminals is laying the foundations for a low‐carbon future
Teesside has always been a place where industry matters. From chemicals and steel to ports, pipelines and power, the region has played a defining role in keeping the UK economy moving.
For Navigator Terminals, being part of that ongoing story is a source of pride. The long-established bulk liquid storage business operates at the heart of Teesside’ s industrial cluster.
From its terminals at Seal Sands and North Tees, Navigator has supported critical industries across the country for decades, providing safe, reliable storage and logistics for products that underpin everyday life and long-term economic prosperity.
Its sites are embedded within the Tees estuary, benefitting from deep-water port access, pipelines, rail freight connections and strategic road links.
This infrastructure has been built up over generations and continues to be operated to the highest standards of safety, environmental protection and operational discipline.
“ Navigator has been part of Teesside’ s industrial story for over 40 years,” says Matt Wilson, Navigator’ s head of new energy markets.
“ We’ re proud of how we operate here – safely, responsibly and with a long-term commitment to the people and industries that rely on us.”
Safety is the foundation of everything Navigator does. With a locally based workforce, the team takes pride in operating sites that neighbours, customers and regulators can trust.
As the UK transitions to a lowercarbon economy, this culture of care and professionalism matters more than ever.
New energy infrastructure must be delivered safely and pragmatically, building on proven industrial capability rather than trying to reinvent it.
The UK’ s energy transition will rely heavily on regions with established infrastructure, skilled workforces and strong industrial ecosystems. Teesside sits firmly in that category.
Existing ports, pipelines, rail and road networks allow materials and energy carriers to move efficiently, giving the region a distinct advantage as new lowcarbon value chains emerge.
“ What makes Teesside special is the infrastructure that already exists,” said Jonathan Marshall, new energy project development manager at Navigator.“ Ports, pipelines, rail and road connectivity give this region a real advantage when it comes to delivering the next generation of low-carbon projects.”
Rather than starting from scratch, the region’ s transition will adapt and repurpose what is already there – accelerating delivery while keeping investment anchored locally.
A prime example of this approach is Navigator’ s proposed CO2 terminal at Seal Sands.
Having completed pre-FEED studies and secured planning consent, the project is designed to aggregate captured carbon dioxide from various industrial sites for onward transport to permanent offshore storage.
This provides a vital, flexible solution for sites that cannot connect directly to a pipeline.
“ Our proposed CO2 terminal is about using Teesside’ s strengths to solve a national challenge,” says Matt.
“ By building on existing infrastructure, we can bring forward investment more quickly and help make industrial decarbonisation a practical reality.”
Beyond carbon capture, Navigator is also supporting developments across sustainable aviation fuel( SAF), biomethane and other low-carbon fuels vital for decarbonising transport and industry.
By providing enabling infrastructure such as safe storage and specialist handling, the company is helping new projects move rapidly from concept to delivery.
Having operated on Teesside for decades, Navigator intends to remain a cornerstone of the region for decades to come.
“ This region has always adapted to change,” Jonathan added.“ Our role is to make sure the infrastructure is there to support that evolution – creating skilled jobs, attracting investment and securing Teesside’ s place in the UK’ s low-carbon future.”
With its heritage, connectivity and talent, Teesside is uniquely positioned to remain at the forefront of UK industry – and Navigator Terminals is proud to help shape what comes next.
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The voice of business in the Tees region | 91