Current - June 2017

YOUR QUARTERLY UPDATE FROM THE PORT OF TYNE

JUNE 2017/ ISSUE 27

STATE-OF-THE-ART THE PORT OF TYNE’S NEW ECO HOPPERS SAIL INTO VIEW 04 £100M INVESTMENT

The huge investment in infrastructure transforming the Port of Tyne

10 ALL THE TEA...

How the Port of Tyne is working with Tetley to export its tea to Canada

PLUS OTHER REGULAR FEATURES...

What’s in the box? / News round-up / Community matters

WWW.PORTOFTYNE.CO.UK

WELCOME...

Welcome to the latest issue of Current, the Port of Tyne’s quarterly magazine for our customers and stakeholders around the world.

These include Tetley, part of the Tata Global Beverages group, now exporting tea from Port of Tyne to Canada.

I’m delighted to introduce our two new non-executive board members, Alison Thain and Geoff Brown. As former Chief Executive of Thirteen Group and former Regional Chair of the CBI, Alison is already well known within the business community, as is Geoff, who is the former Chair and Global Managing Director of Halcrow Transportation.

Meanwhile, innovative ocean technology company Soil Machine Dynamics is also expanding its operations at Port of Tyne.

We’re pleased to be part of the ongoing success stories of some of our most valued customers.

We also talk to holiday giant Thomson about why it has returned to Port of Tyne as its only UK base this summer, sailing passengers to the likes of the Norwegian fjords and Scandinavia. Thomson Cruises also tells us why it is returning next year with one of its bigger cruise liners.

Although the wider economy is undoubtedly facing challenging times ahead, we are in a strong position to create, and seize, future opportunities for our customers, the Port, and the region.

Andrew Moffat Chief Executive Officer

IN THIS ISSUE ISSUE 27/ JUNE 2017

FEATURES /

REGULARS /

04 FURTHER INVESTMENT AT THE PORT OF TYNE

10 WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

The latest steps in a £100m investment programme at the Port of Tyne.

12 WHO’S WHO ON THE TYNE

06 SPEAKING UP FOR BUSINESS Andrew Moffat. Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Tyne, discusses his role as Regional Chair of the CBI.

08 CRUISE CONTROL Thomson Cruises chooses the Port of Tyne as its only UK departure point for summer 2017.

04 Cover image and inside cover image One of the two new eco hoppers at the Port. Container handling.

Editorial team contact Lisa Donohoe Public Relations Manager T. +44 (0) 191 440 7463 lisa.donohoe@portoftyne.co.uk

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If your tea of choice is Tetley’s, your daily cuppa may have passed through the Port of Tyne. We discover the science of handling tea for import and export.

Behind the scenes at Soil Machine Dynamics, a pioneer in advanced underwater machinery.

14 COMMUNITY MATTERS Latest news about the community initiatives supported by the Port of Tyne.

15 NEWS ROUND-UP News and pictures from the Port of Tyne.

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For more information, contact marketing@portoftyne.co.uk

Current is printed on 100% recycled paper with vegetable-based inks.

Port of Tyne Maritime House Tyne Dock South Shields NE34 9PT T. +44 (0) 191 455 2671

Printed and published by Port of Tyne.

All information correct at time of going to print. Published June 2017.

Main editorial photography by Jonty Wilde and Rebecca Hughes.

12 WWW.PORTOFTYNE.CO.UK FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @PORT_OF_TYNE

FEATURE/ MAJOR INVESTMENT

FURTHER INVESTMENT AT THE PORT OF TYNE THE PORT OF TYNE TOOK DELIVERY OF TWO NEW PURPOSE-BUILT ECO-HOPPERS IN JUNE 2017 AT A COST OF £4.5M - MARKING A MAJOR MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AROUND £100M OF NEW INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE PORT’S SOUTH SHIELDS BASE IN NORTH EAST ENGLAND. Arriving by sea, the 19 metre tall structures were designed to the Port’s specification, building upon its leading expertise in the handling of wood pellet, a renewable fuel for power stations.

The hi-tech, fully automated hoppers are integral to the import of wood pellet for Lynemouth Power Station in south Northumberland, which by the end of 2017 will have been converted from coal-fired power generation to biomass.

The conversion is one of the largest civil engineering projects in the UK, with a total of £300m invested by Lynemouth Power Limited (LPL).

The Port of Tyne has invested £38m in quay capacity - extending its main Riverside Quay by 125 metres - and in specialist handling and storage equipment, including the hoppers.

Three 36 metre high silos and 1,300 metres of enclosed conveyors are under construction at the Port and in total, the project has created 1,000 jobs in construction alone. When completed, it is expected to provide 130 full-time jobs, while the power station will generate 420MW of energy, enough to power 450,000 homes.

The Port of Tyne was the first UK port to handle wood pellet for power stations.

£100m 1.8m INVESTMENT IN NEW INFRASTRUCTURE AT PORT OF TYNE

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TONNES OF WOOD PELLET PER YEAR TO PASS THROUGH PORT OF TYNE FOR LYNEMOUTH POWER LTD

“We chose to work alongside the Port of Tyne given its track record. Together, we are working on an internationally significant infrastructure project.”

Paul Tomlinson Managing Director, Lynemouth Power Ltd

It began doing so as stations started to switch from coal to renewable fuels and it has developed expertise in handling the specialist cargo since 2009. In 2016, the Port of Tyne handled 1.1 million tonnes of wood pellet and from 2017 it will handle a further 1.8 million tonnes per year for LPL. Andrew Moffat, Port of Tyne Chief Executive Officer, said: “As the coal import market has reduced, we have been putting in place the infrastructure to handle, store and transport the wood pellet cargoes.

“The investments we have made in increasing Port capacity, including £25m spent extending Riverside Quay and a total of £13m to provide the facilities for Lynemouth Power Ltd, has ensured that we are in a good position to replace coal volumes.

“These coal volumes had virtually disappeared by the end of 2016.”

Paul Tomlinson, Managing Director of LPL, said: “The handling, storage and transportation of the wood pellets is critical to the success of the converted power station. We chose to work alongside the Port of Tyne given its track record for such activity.

Together, we’re working on an internationally significant infrastructure project - one of the largest ever undertaken in the power industry - that delivers the parallel benefits of energy security, environmental improvement and jobs.”

The first test shipment of wood pellet for Lynemouth of 50k tonnes is expected in early August and will see the commissioning of the hoppers and storage silos currently under construction at Port of Tyne.

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FEATURE/ 10 QUESTIONS WITH...

SPEAKING UP FOR BUSINESS ANDREW MOFFAT, PORT OF TYNE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, TALKING ABOUT HIS ROLE AS REGIONAL CHAIR OF THE CONFEDERATION OF BRITISH INDUSTRY (CBI).

What does the CBI do?

As the premier lobbying organisation for UK business on regional, national and international issues, the mission of the CBI is to help create and sustain the conditions in which businesses can prosper and compete effectively on the global stage.

Who are its members?

Any business of any size operating in the UK can be a CBI member. From start-ups to established multinational companies and medium-sized family-run or privately-owned firms among the membership, the CBI represents businesses of all sizes across every sector and region within the UK. Collaboration gives members a strong voice.

Why does business need a voice?

While there are difficult choices ahead about what kind of economy we want, one thing is certain; it is time to put the economy back at the top of the agenda if business, employees, and the wider regional and national economy is to thrive.

The North East and the UK has every reason to be confident and to continue to be hugely ambitious. We have the creativity, skills, drive and global outlook to be world leaders in the industries of our future. But to continue to create innovation and growth, businesses and investors need freedom and support, as well as sensible policies geared for business.

How does it influence Government?

The CBI is the voice of British business, lobbying Government to ensure we have the commitments and policies needed to grow.

Currently, the CBI is pushing for commitment on tax and regulatory stability. While business can deal with change, uncertainty is stifling.

We are also urging the Government to provide assurances that market intervention in sectors such as energy or technology will only be carried out based on evidence and following full consultation.

What is the role of the Regional Chair?

Our mandate comes from our members. As Regional Chair, it’s my role to stand up for regional business interests and to push forward a regional mandate designed to provide an economic boost to the North East.

When priority policies are set for the CBI, I’m there to make sure our region is well represented within our work and objectives.

How does that help business in the region?

The CBI is here to assist business in fulfilling their objectives. It provides access to Government and is able to lobby and that is key in shifting national policy. It provides North East business with a vital network and voice to be able to influence decisions that will impact them.

How does it help the ports sector?

Britain’s ports handle 95 per cent of the UK’s imports and exports, so it is essential that is reflected in the nation’s business strategy. Only by ensuring our trading routes are open will we ensure that UK plc remains competitive.

It’s vital we push for a joined-up approach to infrastructure to ensure ports continue to play a critical role in growing the UK’s reputation as a great manufacturing country.

“It is vital that the region has its own voice, feeding into the wider UK business strategy.”

Andrew Moffat Chief Executive Officer, the Port of Tyne

Only by having those quality, efficient port facilities will our exporters be able to get to market.

What are the key priorities for the CBI? The Government has already signalled a welcome intention to invest in skills, innovation and infrastructure. It now needs to make good on those promises. So, any delays to air, road, rail, housing and digital infrastructure improvements are untenable.

On skills, the new technical and professional qualifications must be implemented while the apprenticeship levy evolves. All students should receive high-quality careers advice.

On innovation, the CBI has made its case for spending 3% of GDP on R&D - a joint target for the private sector and Government.

What will success look like?

To succeed, we need the best partnership between business and Government, not just on Brexit, but on all issues fundamental to the foundations of our economy.

That will enable us to make the UK the most competitive and prosperous economy in the world.

We need an intelligent long-term industrial strategy.

This will deliver productivity growth right across the UK and have the capacity to change people’s lives for the better. Against a backdrop of sluggish wage growth and rising inflation, productivity matters as it is the only sustainable route to higher wages and better living standards.

Business has the evidence, ideas and solutions to help deliver a more competitive economy following Brexit.

Only by tackling any challenges and seizing any opportunities will we be able to move forward and to safeguard our economy for generations to come.

What are the key issues for the CBI? Like much of the nation, the CBI is focused on ensuring we are on the right course towards a good deal for businesses of all sizes and sectors as we push forward with Brexit.

Key priorities are to ensure the rights of EU citizens, progress transitional arrangements and shift the focus of formal talks to future trading relationships.

We need a deal which is deep, comprehensive and barrier-free.

That is particularly important in a region such as the North East where innovative businesses are importing raw materials before exporting finished products across the globe, with everything from cars to tea entering and leaving the region through the Port of Tyne.

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FEATURE/ THOMSON CRUISES

CRUISE CONTROL THOMSON CRUISES HAS CHOSEN THE PORT OF TYNE AS ITS ONLY UK DEPARTURE POINT FOR CRUISES DURING SUMMER 2017.

Travel giant Thomson Cruises has “Newcastle is also in a great location returned to Port of Tyne as its only to allow easy access to fantastic departure point in the UK this summer. destinations in Northern Europe, like Scandinavia, Iceland and the Baltics.

Holidaymakers are able to start and finish their cruise at Port of Tyne, “Now that we’ve dipped our toe back heading to a choice of 23 countries in the water in the UK for 2017, we’ll and 112 points of call. During the be making a bigger splash during summers of 2017 and 2018, a total of 2018 by bringing the TUI Discovery to 33,000 passengers are expected to Newcastle. cruise from Port of Tyne with Thomson.

“That is proof of the pudding when it The impressive figures come as part of comes to how committed we are to a wider investment in the cruise market Port of Tyne. TUI Discovery is one of from Thomson, which has steadily our bigger ships, with 600 more berths added to its fleet as part of its growth than the Celebration. That we are strategy. increasing capacity out of Newcastle with one of our flagship ships says Neil Duncan, General Manager, it all.”

Planning and Trading, Thomson Cruises, says: “It’s no secret that our Sailing out of Port of Tyne allows strength has historically been in the Thomson to tap into a wide customer fly-cruise sector, taking our customers base, with holidaymakers travelling to the Med in the summer and the south from Scotland and north from Caribbean and Canaries in the winter.

Birmingham to sail from Newcastle.

“As we grew our capacity, the plan was always to return to UK cruising and to widen our destination portfolio for customers. We’re seeing really strong sales for the rest of the summer. Our itineraries from Newcastle are some of our most popular. There was definitely pent-up demand among customers for Newcastle departures.”

The Thomson Celebration has already set sail on a number of itineraries from Port of Tyne, including the Norwegian Fjords, Scandinavia and the Baltic region.

Such is Thomson’s confidence in Port of Tyne that capacity is being increased. “It’s a very slick operation at Port of Tyne, and very customer focused,” says Neil.

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“We have a very loyal customer base out of Port of Tyne, taking in the Midlands, North East, North West, Scotland and South West,” explains Neil. “Good transport links mean our customers find Newcastle an easy option to start and end their cruise.”

While the cruise market is a relatively small player in the tourism industry as a whole, it is increasingly taking a bigger share of the market. According to latest statistics from the Cruise Lines International Association, ocean cruises are up 6.7 per cent to a record 1.9m passengers.

Industry analysts have commended efforts to increase passenger awareness of cruise holidays as well as significant investment in new ships.

“It’s a very slick operation at Port of Tyne, and very customer-focused. Newcastle is also in a great location for fantastic destinations in Europe.”

Neil Duncan General Manager, Planning and Trading, Thomson Cruises

There is also an increasingly diverse choice of itineraries as Thomson experiences increased interest in cruises, including from younger customers. This, says Neil, is partly down to the on board value provided by food, drink and gratuities included on the Discovery and Explorer Fleet, and the fact that on board prices are in Sterling at a time when the Euro and Dollar are strong against the Pound.

Thomson’s success from Newcastle is part of wider growth in the cruise market at Port of Tyne. Andy Foster, Commercial Manager, Port of Tyne, says: “In 2013, we had 30 cruise calls a year, and that figure now stands at 53. We’ve had a lot of experience in ensuring that everything runs smoothly, including the logistics of getting hundreds of passengers and pieces of luggage on board, as well as supplies such as fresh drinking water.

“We’re not only spreading the message about what the Port of Tyne can do, but also about what the region as a whole has to offer. Many holidaymakers are choosing to stay in Newcastle or the North East the day before or after their cruise, providing a boost to the region’s economy. Our expertise, facilities and location are making the Port of Tyne a very attractive place for holidaymakers and cruise companies alike.”

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CRUISE CALLS SCHEDULED FOR 2017 AT THE PORT OF TYNE

33K

PASSENGERS EXPECTED TO CRUISE INTO AND OUT OF THE PORT OF TYNE WITH THOMSON IN 2017

Pictured right: Passengers and crew enjoy the sights at the Port of Tyne as the Thomson cruise ship Celebration arrives in the North East in June 2017

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WHAT’S IN THE BOX? / TETLEY TEA

ALL THE TEA IN CANADA

PORT OF TYNE HAS FAST BECOME A SPECIALIST IN THE HANDLING OF TEA IMPORTS AND EXPORTS FOR HOUSEHOLD NAMES, INCLUDING TETLEY. There may be an art to making the perfect cup of tea, but there’s a science behind handling that tea for import and export.

Port of Tyne has handled raw imports for Tetley for more than 15 years, at first bringing in 200 pallets of raw tea per year. That figure now stands at 6,500 pallets per year, from Africa, China and India.

While the story of tea is as old as nature itself, it took an exciting turn in 1837 when the Tetley brothers went into business in Yorkshire, and again in 1939, when Tetley brought back the idea of the teabag from the US.

“We have become experts in handling tea at the Port of Tyne.”

Tracey Younger Customer Service Manager, the Port of Tyne

In 1968, Tetley teabag sales stood at 500 tonnes a year, and the firm was “It’s always gratifying when you build up the first to launch the round teabag in a long-term working relationship and 1989. Now Tetley buys around that’s what we have done with Tetley.

5,192 tonnes of tea a week, which is Tetley, part of Tata Global Beverages used to make countless cups of tea the We’re big enough to provide the right service at an efficient speed, but small group, brings all its UK raw imports, world over. enough to ensure that we can provide totalling a staggering 27,000 tonnes a a service that is personal and tailored. year of tea from 20 different countries, Stephanie Charles, Customer through Port of Tyne. Around 80 per Operations Manager, Tata Global “We’ve also been able to work hand-incent comes from Africa, mostly from Beverages, says: “We have a long hand with Tetley to make suggestions Kenya and Malawi. Tetley also imports history with Port of Tyne, which has which have led to greater efficiencies from Argentina, Indonesia and Vietnam. successfully handled our raw tea and cost savings, and we’re thrilled that Assam tea from India has a much for many years. This presented an Tetley has relocated its export operation shorter buying window, meaning it is opportunity to back load the raw tea to Port of Tyne. This relocation of the stored by specialist handlers at the Port delivered to the Eaglescliffe site, with export operation means that we can to allow Tetley access to a continuous finished goods destined for Canada, year-round supply for its blends. enabling us to reduce transport costs continue to be part of their global success. It’s been incredibly satisfying and remove more than 40,000 road for us to send the first exports to Port of Tyne has quickly become an miles. We obtained a good service Canada.” extension of Tetley’s operations at its offering from Maersk Line, which nearby factory in Eaglescliffe, Teesside, made loading vessels at Port of Tyne Tetley tailors its tea to each world with tea stored at the Port before more attractive than our previous market. For Canada, along with English being sent in batches for the short route.” breakfast tea and green teas, there is road journey each day for blending, a vast range of herbal teas, including processing and packaging. Port of Tracey Younger, Customer Service Tyne knows exactly the quantity of Manager at the Port of Tyne, says: “We Mojito, which is a blend of mint and lime, and Bellini, a peach and orange each tea which Tetley needs for its have become specialists in handling blend. Healthy balance teas, inspired blends and packages it accordingly. tea here. Raw tea must be treated in a by the 5,000-year-old knowledge way which is entirely different to other system of Ayurveda and designed to Now, some of that finished tea is products, ensuring that it is stored heading back to the Port of Tyne for correctly and that containers are clean, aid holistic well-being, are also popular for the Canadian market. export to Canada. dry and odourless.

5k

TONNES OF TEA BOUGHT BY TETLEY EVERY WEEK

6.5K

PALLETS OF RAW TEA HANDLED BY THE PORT OF TYNE ANNUALLY

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WHO’S WHO ON THE TYNE / SOIL MACHINE DYNAMICS

DIGGING DEEP

FOR THE PAST FOUR DECADES, SOIL MACHINE DYNAMICS HAS BEEN A PIONEER IN ADVANCED UNDERWATER MACHINERY, THRUSTING THE NORTH EAST TO THE FOREFRONT OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY. Most of what we see on the internet travels to us underwater in the form of international data transferred via a labyrinth of cables stretching across the floor of the world’s oceans. But if it weren’t for Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD), it might never reach us.

A total of 80 per cent of the world’s physical internet connections which cross seas have been laid using equipment made by SMD. The firm is now established as a world leader in remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) and a manufacturer of advanced submarine engineering systems. It is also the only company in the world to build deep water mining equipment to extract gold and copper ore from the Pacific seabed at depths of 1,600m. SMD equipment, technology and methods are used across the oil and gas, telecommunications, renewables and defence industries.

The manufacture of ROVs, mining equipment and subsea ploughs currently takes place in North Shields, while servicing is carried out in Wallsend. But with ambitious expansion plans in the pipeline, SMD, which has supplied ROVs as far afield as South America and Japan, is relocating the servicing and training side of the business to Port of Tyne.

The firm is occupying a 23,000sq ft unit at Tyne Dock, which has been fitted out to offer bespoke accommodation for SMD.

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Inside, the company will be carrying out repairs and upgrades, and offering training via state-of-the-art simulation technology designed to mimic sea conditions. With an eaves height of 6 metres to 8.1 metres, SMD has space for large-scale equipment and benefits from a large, secure yard, dedicated parking and high-speed fibre optic data lines to ensure it can stay in constant communication with clients across the globe.

Graham Puntis, SMD Managing Director, Services, says: “We’re expanding at such a rate that our services division is now out of space.

The move to Port of Tyne is about a number of factors, including location.

We need good access for offshore vessels bringing equipment directly to us for repair, maintenance or overhaul.

“It’s also about conveying the right image to clients; one which is professional but not seen as being flashy, and we need there to be the potential for further expansion. It’s also about the leverage between Port of Tyne and ourselves; how we maximise opportunities for both.

We’re bringing a subsea focus to the Port of Tyne.”

“The move to the Port of Tyne is about a number of factors including location.”

Graham Puntis SMD Managing Director, Services

80

THE NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SMD EXPECTS TO BASE AT THE PORT OF TYNE

£50m

SMD PROJECTED TURNOVER BY 2020/21

“We have a very aggressive growth This financial year, SMD’s services strategy for our services, underpinning operation is on target to exceed the growth strategy for SMD as a £18.5m turnover, while by 2020/21, it whole. Soon, we expect the services is expected to grow to £50m. There division to be as financially strong as are 50 members of staff now at Port our new builds.” of Tyne, and that figure is due to rise to 80, plus additional offshore support Alasdair Kerr, Commercial Director, workers. Currently, SMD as a whole Port Services at the Port of Tyne, says: employs 220 people.

“We’ve remodelled Unit 2 so SMD can base 50 staff there and accommodate Previously, SMD grew as North Sea “Previously,” says Graham, “we have more as it expands. It’s bespoke to oil boomed, carrying out more than been focused on new builds rather their needs and represents a major 400 new-build projects. However, than the after-market. Now we’re also investment for SMD and Port of Tyne. many of its customers are now looking helping customers to get the most We look forward to being part of at getting more value for money out of their assets so they can remain SMD’s future success as it continues from their assets, so they can focus where they should be - at sea - for as to build on its formidable reputation.” spending on operations. long as possible.

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COMMUNITY MATTERS/

BOOTY AND BUCANEERS – NEW EXHIBITION SAILS INTO SOUTH TYNESIDE Visitors are enjoying a treasure trove of delights with a new pirate-themed exhibition which has dropped anchor in South Tyneside.

Shiver Me Timbers - Pirates on Page, Stage and Screen, is a new exhibition at The Word, National Centre for the Written Word in South Shields.

The show, sponsored by the Port of Tyne, follows a hugely successful exhibition on the life and work of locally born film director Sir Ridley Scott, which attracted more than 95,000 visitors.

The exhibition is a celebration of pirates and their seafaring adventures and pays tribute to authors who have popularised pirate stories, such as Daniel Defoe - author of Robinson Crusoe and Captain Singleton.

“This exhibition draws on the borough’s proud seafaring history. Having a varied programme of exhibitions that all age groups can enjoy is a key factor in the outstanding success which The Word, National Centre for the Written Word continues to enjoy.”

The exhibition also includes three community-based films which will be screened in The Pod at The Word.

Local people and schoolchildren have had the opportunity to work with dance-theatre company Experiential to take inspiration from swashbuckling adventures and pirate personalities from stage, screen and print to devise their own creative work.

“After the huge success of the Ridley Scott exhibition, we are looking forward to seeing the second exhibition open at The Word, the National Centre for the Written Word. Seafaring is an exciting subject that has fascinated writers for centuries and the Port of Tyne is delighted to be supporting an exhibition that celebrates both the fact and fiction of shipping and maritime heritage.”

Susan Wear Port of Tyne Director of Corporate Affairs

The exhibition also features information about BBC TV’s famous Captain Pugwash. A screen shows an original black and white episode which was Shiver Me Timbers also showcases aired on the BBC in the late 1950s and works picked up by Hollywood, behind-the-scenes footage of Isabel including Sea Hawk and Captain Blood, Ryan - daughter of Pugwash creator and famous stage plays such as Pirates John Ryan – animating Pugwash artwork. of Penzance and Peter Pan. The Port of Tyne is also sponsoring a Contemporary pirate stories such as rolling programme of exhibitions in The Piratica Series and the hugely the Port of Tyne Exhibition Space at popular pirate film franchise Pirates The Word, National Centre for the of the Caribbean also feature in the Written Word and at the Port of Tyne exhibition. display pod which is on the first floor of the centre.

Councillor Alan Kerr, South Tyneside Council Deputy Leader with Pictured right: Isabel Ryan, daughter of responsibility for Leisure and Culture, Captain Pugwash creator John Ryan, said: “It is entirely fitting that our first and the audience at the launch of exhibition showcased the life of one of the new Shiver Me Timbers exhibition South Shields’ most illustrious sons and at The Word, National Centre for the Written Word in South Shields this new one is also very apt.

HOWZAT! 250 KWIK CRICKETERS South Tyneside primary school pupils were joined by Durham cricketers Brydon Carse and Jack Burnham as the youngsters took part in the Port of Tyne Kwik Cricket Festival at South Shields Cricket Club.

A total of 25 teams from 10 different schools - 250 participants - took part in the Primary Year 6 festival, sponsored by Port of Tyne.

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Hosted by Durham County Cricket Foundation and Durham Cricket Board, the event was a huge success.

Umpired by cricket activators from St Wilfrid’s RC College, the event was won by players from East Boldon Junior School, who defeated Mortimer Primary School in a hotly contested final match.

Durham cricketers Jack Burnham and Brydon Carse got involved in the action and presented the winners’ medals along with Steven Harrison, Port of Tyne Chief Operating Officer.

The Port of Tyne supports the development of grassroots cricket within the South Shields area, making the sport more accessible to local primary schools.

NEWS ROUND-UP/

TWO BUSINESS LEADERS COME ON BOARD AT THE PORT OF TYNE “These are two prominent business leaders and Alison and Geoff’s combined skills and experience add strength and expertise to the board.”

Alison Thain is one of the region’s most dynamic businesswomen and until her recent retirement, she was Chief Executive of the region’s biggest housing association, The Thirteen Group.

The Port of Tyne has appointed Alison Thain and Geoff Brown as non-executive directors.

She was also a member of the subregional Local Enterprise Partnership Tees Valley Unlimited, a board member of Darlington Building Society and a council member of the North East England Chamber of Commerce.

She joined the Port of Tyne in April, along with Geoff Brown, the former Chair and Global Managing Director of Halcrow Transportation.

Alison is the former Chief Executive of Thirteen Group and former Regional Port of Tyne Chair Hilary Florek said: Chair of the CBI. “I am pleased to welcome them both.

She said: “I am delighted to join the Port of Tyne and I am passionate about the future that this region has to offer. I look forward to working with the board to ensure that the Port’s potential is fully exploited.”

Geoff Brown is a chartered civil engineer with experience in senior executive roles in organisations throughout the UK and internationally.

He is a non-executive director of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board and a non-executive director of Tees Valley Sport.

He said: “It’s an exciting time for the region and I believe that the Port of Tyne has a major role to play in unlocking future growth and productivity.”

The Port of Tyne’s economic impact was recently assessed to add an estimated £680 million to the regional economy supporting almost 14,000 jobs directly and indirectly. The Port is one of the UK’s biggest deep-sea ports operating in bulk commodities, cars, cruise and ferry, logistics and manages a growing portfolio of commercial property.

LUXURY LINER DOCKS AT THE PORT OF TYNE One of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships has visited Port of Tyne, allowing US passengers to see the sights in North East England.

Regent Seven Seas luxury cruise ship the Seven Seas Explorer, launched in 2016, is said to be one of the most luxurious ships ever built.

The 224 metre-long six-star cruise ship, is adorned with Italian marble, gold leaf and chandeliers made from Czech crystal and was berthed at the Port of Tyne’s purpose-built cruise berth, Northumbrian Quay in North Shields.

Meanwhile, its 750 passengers spent the day exploring the region’s attractions including Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral.

The ship’s facilities include a jogging track, golf putting greens, shuffleboard deck and a culinary school as well as a collection of high-end shopping boutiques.

The luxury continues in the main dining room, which is lit by a £155,000 chandelier of hand-blown glass and the walls of the ship are lined with £6 million-worth of art.

Meanwhile, the entire front of Deck 14 is dedicated to an £8,000-a-night suite with its own spa, a £200,000 custombuilt Steinway piano, two lithographs

by Picasso, and a bed reputed to have cost £150,000.

The opulent interior continues throughout the ship with a £400,000, three-ton Tibetan-style prayer wheel at the entrance to the Pacific Rim Restaurant. It is so heavy that the deck had to be reinforced to accommodate it.

Alasdair Kerr, Port of Tyne Commercial Director, Port Services, says: “The Port of Tyne is set to welcome more than 50 cruise calls this year, catering for all sections of the cruise market which is growing in popularity each year.

“It’s great to welcome Regent Seven Seas back with Seven Seas Explorer and fantastic to welcome guests during their time in the North East.”

The ship visited the Port of Tyne during an 11-night British Isles cruise, and will be back at the Port of Tyne for a second visit in September.

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CONVENTIONAL & BULK CARGO CAR TERMINALS CRUISE & FERRY LOGISTICS ESTATES