Tees Maritime Cluster to “turbocharge” regional economy

A new initiative to “unlock economic growth” and skills development in Teesside’s maritime sector has been officially launched as part of nearly £1 million investment across nine UK clusters by the Department for Transport.

The Tees Maritime Cluster, a private sector-led initiative supported by Maritime UK, will focus on harnessing the region’s maritime strength to boost Teesside’s economy and establish it as a hub for the UK’s net-zero ambitions.

The cluster, facilitated by PD Ports and supported by key regional stakeholders, will be run by an independent board and aims to become self-financing through a commercial strategy after receiving an initial start-up fund of £117,000 from the Government.

As part of the wider Maritime UK Regional Cluster Development Programme, the initiative aligns with the Maritime 2050 strategy and will focus on training a highly skilled workforce, with the cluster planning to deliver maritime training and careers events that will reach thousands of schoolchildren, school leavers, students and job seekers.

The cluster’s focus on skills and economic potential is particularly significant in the North East, where nearly one-fifth of the population live in deprived areas, far above the national average.

Announcing the funding at the Maritime UK National Council on 5 December, Mike Kane, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security, said: “The UK is a proud maritime nation, with our coastal communities being vital in unleashing our full potential and unlocking economic growth across the country. 

“By investing in our excellent maritime clusters, we can deliver jobs, skills and training for local communities and turbocharge growth by delivering investment into the sector.”  

Chris Shirling-Rooke MBE, chief executive of Maritime UK, added: “Today is an incredible milestone for the maritime industry.

“The Maritime Cluster Development Fund will create real impact and make a tangible difference to our most precious of places - our coastal communities.  

“I look forward to seeing all of our maritime clusters thrive and creating those vital jobs and growth where they’re needed most.” 

“I am personally delighted that the Tees Maritime Cluster has been awarded this incredibly impactful funding.

“We have been working with the team there for years and to see everybody’s efforts rewarded with support from the Department for Transport is testament to all of their hard work and collaboration.”

Teesside, home to the UK’s largest freeport and sixth-largest port, will play a key role in linking local industry with Government, helping create international opportunities and promoting innovation.

Liz Law, PD Ports’ chief financial officer, who has been named on the Tees Maritime Cluster board, added: “Teesside has endless potential, with the River Tees at the heart of its ambitions.

“There are so many businesses, organisations and individuals doing great things across the region, and the Tees Maritime Cluster will offer a framework for us all to work together, pulling in the same direction towards shared objectives; future proofing the industry, creating jobs, enhancing productivity, boosting international trade, and securing inward investment.”

Further organisations are also expected to join the cluster, which already has support from the Tees & Hartlepool Port Users Association, the North East of England Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) and the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), representing some 4,000 businesses in the region.

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