PD Ports

Last month we were pleased to share that Direct Rail Services (DRS) is collaborating with PD Ports to launch the first Trans Pennine rail freight service to Trafford Park, utilising a unique wagon that can transport high-cube boxes across areas of the UK previously inaccessible by rail. The five-days-a-week service, which is planned for launch early 2025, will run from the PD Ports-owned terminal in Teesport to Trafford Park in Manchester. More information can be found at: https://lnkd.in/e66t39-a #RailFreight #SupplyChain #Logistics #TeesValley

Last month we hosted the first ever PD Ports People Awards 🎉🏆 Held at Acklam Hall, more than 100 people gathered to celebrate individuals who best represent our STRETCH values. The winners were chosen by a series of judging panels, each led by a member of the Executive Committee, who were on hand to announce the winner in each category. Each winner received a trophy and £250 vouchers. The categories were linked to each of our STRETCH values. You’ll find a full video recap on our YouTube channel here: https://lnkd.in/eq3d7iw9

After launching our sustainability strategy earlier this year we celebrated recognition by our peers of our commitment in the form of the Port Sustainability award at the British Ports Association awards in Portsmouth. Five years ago, CEO Frans Calje set everybody in the company a challenge to become “the UK’s most sustainable port company” stating that as a business and as individuals it is our responsibility to leave the planet in a better position for future generations. Since then we have been making changes in the way we operate, converting our machinery to more sustainable fuel sources, shifting our culture to be more mindful of our impact on the environment and putting down in writing our goals and commitments to sustainability. To view our sustainability strategy and see how we intend to achieve our goal of being “the UK’s most sustainable port company” visit https://lnkd.in/eScn-esD

In 2024 donated over £28,000 to causes close to our peoples hearts through our Find it Fund it scheme! With the vast majority of our 1,400 strong workforce living close to their place of work, we believe they are best placed to highlight the community projects that are important to them and in need of support. Find It Fund It is a monthly internal initiative, which aims to directly support worthy projects that are close to the hearts of our workforce and benefit organisations that might otherwise get overlooked. Applications for funding can be made for different types of grants, supporting everything from new sports kits to long-term, sustainable projects like a new community garden. Find out more at: https://lnkd.in/dKVeg3z8

A fantastic afternoon last month with Inspiring the Future and Maritime UK with people from across a variety of functions across our business sharing their story, journey and what their role at PD Ports entails. From guessing job roles using a series of yes or no questions, presentations about career options and a quiz about the maritime sector the young people were thoroughly enthused and full of questions about our hidden industry here in the Tees Valley. These visits are extremely important to us here at PD Ports giving us the opportunity to speak to the next generation and future talent pipeline, introducing them to careers they may not otherwise consider or even know exist. By 2030 we aim to introduce 3,000 young people to the port and maritime sector through visits to schools, on site tours, e-learning and through our partnerships with other organisations such as High Tide Foundation and Power Of Women💥. #SupportingYoungPeople #Community #Teesside #Ports #Logistics #Education

As part of it’s Statutory Harbour Authority role, PD Ports operates a dedicated Harbour Police force whose jurisdiction covers the entire Teesport maritime complex. Operating under the Tees and Hartlepool Port Authority Act 1966, the non-Home Office force has all the powers and privileges, of a constable when within the harbour and in any place within two miles of the limits of the Harbour. The force works to detect and reduce levels of crime across the maritime complex. A monthly operation known as ‘Operation Unity’ will be conducted monthly by Harbour Police officers who are trained and accredited in PG9 inspections (prohibition), stolen vehicle examinations, speed detection and the carriage of dangerous goods (CDG). Operation Unity has been introduced to enhance road safety and vehicle construction and use compliance on PD Ports estates. After collaborating with regional police units, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), and Environment Agency, who participate in similar operations, it was apparent that there is a requirement to increase the capability of policing the port roads in this specific area. A recent event identified that a variety of vehicles linked to private hauliers, tenants and visitors, which were randomly selected for inspection had an overall non-compliance rate on the carriage of dangerous goods at 62.5% (16 vehicles), and a 100% non-compliance rate on other vehicles stopped (11 vehicles). The offences can be many but include, incorrect CDG paperwork, driving hours, defective signs and plates, insecure loads, defective tyres, lights and brakes, vehicles overweight and personal driving document offences. Sanctions can vary between being issued with advisory notices, fixed penalty tickets, vehicle seizures and being reported for summons (driver and haulage company if applicable). The Harbour Police force will continue to carry out this operation in order to keep the port estate as well as the drivers onward journeys safe. We hope that in doing so they will be able to educate and decrease these numbers going forward. Harbour Police officers are available for advice on any of these matters should anybody be unsure of the legislation and requirements and can be contacted on 01642 277215 or 07912 274800 (24 hours) Find out more about the Harbour Police here: https://lnkd.in/eN99u3CD

We have begun the roll out of Lean Six Sigma training sessions, with the aim to create an even more efficient and effective business that consistently meets and exceeds the expectations of customers and stakeholders, ultimately leading to sustainable growth and competitive advantage. By implementing a comprehensive training program that equips employees with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools related to operational excellence methodologies, fostering a workforce adept at continuous improvement and process enhancement. We aim to continue to establish clear and consistent communication channels to promote awareness and understanding of initiatives, ensuring that all employees are informed about aligned goals, progress and best practice. As well as develop and refine standardised processes that leverage Lean and Six Sigma principles including enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and improving quality, ultimately delivering greater value. By implementing robust performance measurement systems and feedback mechanisms to monitor progress we will be able to identify areas for improvement, celebrate successes and reinforce the commitment to continuous improvement across the business.

Earlier this month we the Department for Transport formally announced the Creation of the Tees Maritime Cluster, a new regional partnership that will champion and grow Teesside’s maritime sector ⚓ The Tees Maritime Cluster, a private sector-led initiative, supported by industry body, Maritime UK, is dedicated to accelerating economic growth in Teesside by harnessing the strength and vision of the region’s burgeoning maritime sector and championing efforts to become a leading hub for the UK’s Net Zero ambitions. The Cluster will be run by an independent board and will, after initial start-up funding from the Government, become self-financing through the development and delivery of a commercial strategy. Focusing on training and skills, aiming to create a diverse and highly skilled workforce that will help the region deliver its economic potential, enable the energy transition and support social development in an area where 18.5% of the population is classed as living in a deprived area, compared to 4% nationally. For more information visit: https://lnkd.in/eduzERvc

In September we celebrated a 10 year logistics and warehousing contract extension with global chemical giant Venator. The new deal extends a 20-year working relationship between the two companies at Port of Hartlepool, with PD Ports providing dedicated logistics and warehousing operations for Venator’s Greatham facility, from raw material to finished product. The success of the relationship highlights PD Ports’ proven reputation as a trusted partner and an asset to any supply chain. We go the extra mile for our customers, shown in the continued levels of investment into our infrastructure to ensure operations are efficient, safe and cost-effective. PD Ports has a dedicated logistics operation to support every step of the plant’s processes, from movement of raw material direct from quay to plant, and then collecting the end product and preparing it ready for distribution worldwide. To find out more visit: https://lnkd.in/enST7KsT #Logistics #BulkCargo #Warehousing #TeesValley

In September we hosted a delegation of leaders working in education and training across the Tees Valley at The Labour Party conference, supported by Anna Turley MP for Redcar. To urge Government action on supporting the region’s young people. Discussions at the event highlighted the significant barriers to employment that continue to affect young people in the Tees Valley, which ranks as one of the most deprived in the UK. Several ideas emerged about how these barriers can be overcome. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/etiBQWft