News: PD Ports sponsor Maritime UK Week

PD Ports has been announced as a Bronze Sponsor for Maritime UK Week.

Starting on 10 October, Maritime UK Week 2022 will shine a spotlight on the latest developments in the maritime sector and engage people across the UK with the world of maritime. 

Responsible for enabling 95% of the UK’s global trade, maritime touches every part of our lives. As an island nation, during the pandemic, the maritime sector’s key workers kept the UK supplied with food, energy and medicine. Now, as we move toward a greener industry, the sector is investing and growing all around the UK and needs talented people to join us. Throughout the week people around the country are invited to explore the world of maritime through a series of careers fairs and open days. 

There will also be a programme of events bringing maritime professionals together to help make progress on key issues like diversity and inclusion in the sector. 

Based in the North-East of England but operating across the UK, PD Ports is one the UK’s major ports groups, employing over 1,500 people.

Central to the group’s operations is Teesport, one of the country’s most progressive and vibrant ports and a significant piece of national infrastructure. The port plays a vital role in the wider maritime sector and is a key enabler for manufacturers and suppliers to trade with international markets.

In the North-East, the port operator’s facilities include the Port of Hartlepool, which specialises in the offshore sector. PD Ports also owns a number of short sea ports situated in the Humber region as well as operations in Felixstowe and the Isle of Wight. This is backed by a comprehensive logistics operation.

PD Ports, who were titled “Business of the Year” at the 2022 Maritime UK Awards, are looking to highlight the many great career opportunities within the sector throughout Maritime UK Week. As part of PD Ports’ continued commitment to supporting the next generation and raising awareness of career pathways in the maritime industry, they will be hosting three days of school visits as part of their innovative Teesport Explorers programme. To conclude the week, they’ll be hosting a visit for careers leads at Teesport, including a guided port tour and river trip, to educate the educators on why careers in the maritime sector should be promoted as attractive and attainable to the next generation.

Frans Calje, Chief Executive Officer at PD Ports, said:

“We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Maritime UK Week. Voted Maritime UK’s ‘Business of the Year 2022’ we are proudly supporting this year’s theme of ‘port open days’. Building on the exciting range of events Maritime UK has planned, PD Ports has an extensive week of activities with schools and stakeholders, aimed at positively promoting maritime careers whilst reinforcing the critical importance of the maritime sector in Britain’s trading success.”

Ben Murray, Chief Executive at Maritime UK, said: 

“We’re delighted to have PD Ports’ support for Maritime UK Week. They have a great story to tell. Their fantastic programme of activity for the week will help ensure that our sector is engaging with local communities and helping to inspire the next generation to consider a career in the maritime industries.”

To find out about Maritime UK Week, visit www.maritimeuk.org/week. 

To find out more about PD Ports, visit www.pdports.co.uk.