Member Article

North East port beats off competition

A North East port authority defied expectations last week as it beat off international competition to win at the Lloyd’s List Awards 2008. The Port of Tyne was named Port Operator of the Year, beating fellow entrants from across the world, including the Netherlands and Singapore.

Keith Wilson, Port of Tyne’s Managing Director, said: “I’m not normally lost for words, but last night left me speechless with pride! Lloyd’s List is renowned throughout the world as a benchmark for excellence within the maritime industry. We were just delighted to have been named as one of the finalists, especially when we saw the very high calibre of the ports we were up against, but winning last night reinforced just how far we have come and how successful our strategy and reinvestment programme has been.”

The Lloyd’s List annual awards recognise innovation in operations and business models, customer satisfaction and success in local and global markets. The Port of Tyne, where dry cargo tonnage volume has trebled in four years, was the winner in the Port Operator of the Year category.

Keith Wilson said: “Of course, our success would not be possible without the people of the port, every one of whom has worked with commitment and dedication to getting the job done. And it is these people who are ensuring that the Port of Tyne remains vibrant and sustainable for a long time to come.”

The Port of Tyne has more reason to celebrate as the Institute of Transport Management awards it European Port of the Year for the second year running, the first time this title has been given twice to the same port.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .