Truck and Track Summer 2024 www.truckandtrack.com 70 PORTS Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading port operator, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Kelly as its new Group IT Director, taking forward ABP’s sector leading programme of investment in digital strategy for port operations optimisation, customer service and cyber security. Sean has extensive experience leading IT teams in different businesses including Microsoft, BT, EY and RBS. He was most recently the CIO of Business Platforms at Dentsu, one of the largest global marketing and advertising agency networks. His experience has included leading the delivery of IT programmes, such as digital transformation and ERP solutions for global businesses, and implementing functional and connected digital journeys. ABP’s CEO Henrik L. Pedersen, said, “It’s great to welcome Sean to ABP. Sean will be driving forward a well-established IT organisation, developing and executing the next phase of our digital strategy, including developing a broader IT landscape supporting all areas of ABP’s business. Building smart, flexible and resilient technology platforms to deliver on customers’ needs and business optimisation is a key foundation of our strategy. We’ve made some great strides forward but we’re ambitious about where technology can take us, our customers and partners further.” Sean Kelly, the new ABP Group IT Director, said, “I’m delighted to be joining ABP and I’m eager to build on the strong programmes and team in place. What attracted me to ABP is the company’s great culture coupled with the ambition to carry through its leading position in the UK ports sector to the areas of technology, digitisation and cyber security. State-of-the-art IT infrastructure and new ways of working are essential to be at the forefront of the digital revolution in the maritime industry.” ABP has been a leader in the IT and digital solutions area, with examples including being the first UK operator to operationalise a 5G network across a major port, deploying state-of-the-art terminal operating systems across bulk, breakbulk, container and automotive terminals and comprehensively upgrading vessel traffic and marine management systems. ABP is using cutting edge technology applications to make the operations of both the company and customers more efficient, more sustainable and safer. Examples include award winning trials of drone technology, installation of Internet of Things applications on port equipment and deploying PPE wearables to enhance safety performance. ABP appoints new Group IT Director to drive next wave of digital strategy Sean Kelly, ABP’s New Group IT Director Capital dredging commences for Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility Associated British Ports (ABP) has reached a significant milestone in the construction of its Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF), at its Port of Lowestoft, with the commencement of capital dredging of the Outer Harbour and channel approaches. LEEF represents significant investment by ABP, supported by the Towns Fund, which will deliver state-of-the-art infrastructure to meet the current and future demands of the offshore energy industry. The capital dredge, totalling 170,000m3, is underway in the Outer Harbour and approach channels, and will facilitate minimum depth berth pockets of 7.5m. This depth will mean Lowestoft is able to accommodate the next generation of offshore support vessels, marking a crucial step towards transforming Lowestoft into an offshore energy hub. The Boskalis Suction Dredger, Sospan Dau, commenced dredging operations on Monday 29 April, and will be supported by small survey craft ‘Sea Eagle’. This follows initial works that have been undertaken by grab dredger UKD Cherry Sand. The whole dredging operations is due to complete in August 2024 and is being carried out with a commitment to the highest environmental standards, and in accordance with ABP’s works’ marine licence. Julian Walker, Regional Director, ABP said, “The commencement of capital dredging signifies a pivotal moment in the realisation of the Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF). LEEF is not just a port project, it is a strategic investment in the future of Lowestoft and the wider energy sector. “ABP’s significant investment in the LEEF project signals our commitment to equipping Lowestoft – the UK’s most easterly port – with the capabilities required to thrive in a rapidly evolving energy landscape and enhance its capacity to service the growing Southern North Sea energy sector.” David Baskin, Senior Contracts Manager at McLaughlin & Harvey, the contracted construction firm for LEEF commented, “We are pleased to have reached this important milestone in the project, having recently completed marine piling and tie rod installation. Works are now well underway and on track to complete by September 2024.” Sospan Dau dredging the Outer Harbour at the Port of Lowestoft British Ports Association (BPA) Annual Conference The 2024 British Ports Association (BPA) Annual Conference will be hosted in the celebrated maritime city of Portsmouth, on 9 - 10 October 2024. As one of the key events in the national maritime industry calendar, the BPA conference provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders to come together to discuss the latest policy developments, debate topical issues and shape future industry trends within the UK ports and harbours sector. An action-packed programme will include high-profile speakers, presentations and panel sessions for conference delegates to participate in. Portsmouth’s legendary harbour will also provide a fitting backdrop for social events on both evenings of the conference, including the 2024 BPA Awards. The main conference will be held within the port’s new carbon-neutral showcase terminal. This will facilitate one of the most sustainable BPA conferences ever, underlining the crucial role that our ports are continuing to play in the UK’s journey towards net zero. The event will also provide a crucial platform for a cross section of the ports and maritime community to get together with representatives from associated industries, government, academia and the media, to build collective understanding, make connections and debate the many challenges and opportunities for the future growth of the industry. TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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