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Truck and Track Spring 2019 64
PORTS
PD Ports, one of the UK’s major port
operators, has been officially accredited
with the internationally recognisedquality
mark of Authorised Economic Operator
(AEO) for its operations at Teesport by Her
Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
affirming the Port’s efficient and robust
processes to shippers worldwide.
The accreditation recognises that a business’
customs controls and procedures are efficient
and meet EU benchmarks.
Within the Northern Powerhouse, Teesport has become the first
port to gain AEO status. It was awarded following a 12-month
internal review process that culminated in an audit from the
HMRC to ensure all port operational processes, IT, security, storage,
procurement and HR procedures met with strict requirements.
Frans Calje, Chief Executive Officer at PD Ports, commented:
“Gaining AEO accreditation reinforces the strength of our
commitment to shippers currently using Teesport or looking to the
Port as an integral part of their supply chain and is a solid vote of
confidence in the high standard of our port operations.
“This will deliver some distinct benefits to many of our AEO
accredited customers including greater access to priority clearance
of cargoes, reduced administration, traceability of flows of goods
and improved security between supply chain partners. There is
much focus, in the light of Brexit, on the customs clearance of
goods. AEO accreditation puts us on the front foot in making the
movement of cargoes through Teesport as simple as possible.
“Delivering high quality, consistent and sustainable service levels to
our customers has been instrumental in our decision to gain AEO
accreditation across other parts of our business including our short
sea ports located on the Humber, logistics and transport operations
as well as our freight forwarding and customs clearance activities.”
PD Ports welcomes pivotal
offshore wind sector deal
North East-based PD Ports has announced its support of the
Offshore Wind Sector Deal agreed by the industry and the
government, which is set to lead to significant employment and
economic benefits to people and businesses across the region.
The deal declares that a third of all UK electricity will be produced
by offshore wind by 2030. The industry is thriving across Teesside
and is now set to enjoy considerable growth thanks to the unique
deep water and land available to support such operations in the
ports of Teesport and Hartlepool.
The River Tees is home toworld-leading businesses in offshorewind
energy and PD Ports’ existing knowledge and experience make it
perfectly placed to support this growth. Several companies in the
sector are already using the business’ sites in Teesside.
Geoff Lippitt, Business Development Director at PD Ports, said: “The
deal is a great coup for our area and has the potential to create a
significant number of jobs. We have the skills, people and land
required to offer a strong market position for undertaking major
renewable energy projects and PD Ports is an experienced partner,
well-placed to provide exceptional operational support.”
PD Ports was involved in the installation, operations and
maintenance of the Teesside Offshore Wind Farm, mobilisations
of ‘jack up’ vessels, and is already actively supporting the growing
offshore wind energy market.
Teesside has one of the greatest concentrations of businesses
working in the offshore sector and, with UK Government having
awarded the regionCORE status as a Centre for Offshore Renewable
Engineering in 2011, it is firmly placed to deliver future market
requirements for this key sector with real potential for growth.
Frans Calje
Teesport becomes first port in Northern
Powerhouse to gain International quality mark
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