The Port of Tyne is welcoming hundreds of delegates to North East England as it hosts this year’s British Ports Association Annual Conference.
Representatives from ports across the UK and beyond will meet at Sage Gateshead for four days of activities and talks given by a wide variety of distinguished speakers.
The event, which was last hosted by the Port of Tyne in 2007, coincides with the celebration of the organisation’s 50th anniversary as a Trust Port.
More than 250 attendees are expected to take part in the conference, which is being held from October 9 to 12.
Delegates will be treated to a guided coach ride through the Port’s south estate, a boat trip along the River Tyne and a tour of the historic Swing Bridge.
A gala dinner will be held at the Hilton Hotel on the evening of October 11 during which guests will be entertained by world renowned keyboard player and YES band member Rick Wakeman.
Speakers at the conference, which is sponsored by Travelers, Rubb Building Systems and RKH Speciality, include, among many others, Andy McDonald, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Tim Reardon, Head of EU Exit at the Port of Dover, and Lucy Armstrong, Chair of Port of Tyne.
Andrew Moffat, Port of Tyne CEO, said: “As the Port of Tyne celebrates its 50th anniversary as a Trust Port we are proud to host the 26th Annual British Ports Association Conference.
“Since the Port last hosted the conference 11 years ago the sector has faced a range of profound changes affecting every aspect of how they will operate.
“As an island nation, the UK relies heavily on its ports, which have always been fundamental to the British economy. 95 per cent of British traded goods pass through UK ports, contributing £7.6 billion to the economy each year
“We look forward to hosting a stimulating conference during which we will deliberate and discuss the issues that matter most within the British ports industry.”
Richard Ballantyne, CEO of the British Ports Association (BPA), added: “The BPA is delighted to be returning to Tyneside for its annual conference.
“The River Tyne and surrounding community has a unique combination of maritime, business and cultural excellence, and I know we will receive a warm welcome.
“Delegates will relish the opportunity to explore the Port of Tyne and learn from its continuing innovation and success.
“The visually stunning Sage Gateshead overlooking the River Tyne is the perfect venue and I am excited by this year’s impressive list of speakers and the scope of their expertise ranging from offshore energy to ship automation.”