Family legacy continues at Teesside energy hub

A Teesside industrial hub is continuing a proud family legacy, with a fourth generation now working on a site that is at the heart of the region’s energy ambitions.

Evie Duce, 20, is working as a logistics coordinator at Steel River Quay on Teesworks, becoming the fourth generation of her family to work in the area’s industrial sector, following her father, grandparents and great-grandparents who held roles across sites including Redcar Coke Ovens, British Steel and the Redcar Blast Furnace.

The facility is playing a central role in the delivery of Ørsted’s Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm, with large monopile foundations arriving at the quay as part of the development. 

Evie’s role involves coordinating the safe movement of these shipments as activity across the site increases.

Evie joined the business in 2025 and has quickly adapted to the demands of the role, while also building on a long-standing family connection to the area’s industrial heritage.

She said: “I love the industry and I knew I wanted to be in this world – and be a part of something big.

“Every single day in the shipping industry, something is different. 

“No two days are the same.

“I’ve so much family who’ve been here – I can’t believe it.

“They ask me so many questions on how the site is doing and what’s happening – and I tell them all the good things going on.”

Steel River Quay, a 450-metre deep-water facility at Teesworks on the River Tees, was developed with £114 million backing from the National Wealth Fund and supports offshore wind and wider renewable energy projects. 

It was recently recognised with the UK Ports Innovation Award 2026.

Evie added: “In the last two months, it’s really grown – and this is going to be our norm.

“The volumes we’re seeing now we expect to carry on for the next 18 months. It’s amazing – and keeps you busy. The size of everything in this industry is incredible.”  

Ally Cameron, managing director at Steel River Quay, said: “Evie’s story captures exactly what Steel River Quay is about – combining Teesside’s proud industrial heritage with the opportunities of a modern, global renewable energy sector.

“To see a fourth-generation worker playing such a key role in projects of this scale is incredibly special. 

“She represents the talent, dedication and ambition driving our growth, and we’re proud to have her as part of the team as activity across the quay continues to accelerate.”

Chris Musgrave OBE, chairman of Teesworks, added: “Evie’s journey is a brilliant example of Teesside’s industrial legacy evolving into a new era. 

“We’re creating opportunities on a global stage. 

“It’s fantastic to see Steel River Quay growing and local people leading the way.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.