Port of Tyne hosts BPA’s annual conference
Published by Claire Cuddihy,
Assistant Editor
Dry Bulk,
The Port of Tyne has welcomed hundreds of delegates to North East England as it hosts this year's British Ports Association (BPA) 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 were expected at the conference, which began on 9 October and ends today.
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 was held at the Hilton Hotel yesterday evening, during which guests were entertained by world-renowned keyboard player and 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.”
Prior to the event, 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."
Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/12102018/port-of-tyne-hosts-bpas-annual-conference/
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