Peel Ports Group has been named the Port Operator of the Year for 2021 by industry bible the UK Ports Directory.
The comp
any has received the accolade after securing the most online votes, amongst those who voted, from the maritime directory’s 15,000-strong readership of professionals in the sector.
The win comes off the back of what was a game-changing year for Peel Ports, with the group demonstrating resilience in the face of the challenges posed by the pandemic and Brexit.
As one of the largest port groups in the UK, Peel Ports manages several key regional trading hubs for the UK economy, including facilities in Liverpool, London Medway and Glasgow.
The awards victory comes on the back of a decade of strong financial performance and investment, which has seen year on year average growth of 10%, and circa £1.2 billion invested on infrastructure which has contributed to significant employment, regeneration and regional growth.
In partnership with some of the biggest shipping names in the industry, Peel Ports announced several new services in 2021 including a freight-only ferry service connecting Sheerness and Calais from the award-winning operator, DFDS, and a new multi-modal extension with DKT Allseas to complement its pioneering China Xpress liner service.
The win also comes off the back of the Group’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2040 and recognises its ongoing work to lower emissions by delivering fuel efficiency programmes. More than £1.2bn has been invested across the last decade on sustainable infrastructure and technology to future proof its operations, including the delivery of energy-efficient cranes, LED lighting and choosing sustainable, low emission equipment and suppliers.
Mark Whitworth, CEO at Peel Ports said: "Being recognised for our efforts by the UK Ports Directory is a fantastic, progressive achievement for our teams and has come at a very exciting time for Peel Ports."
"Upon reflection, we’re proud to have worked tirelessly to keep the supply chain going and facilitate economic growth at both a national and regional level throughout 2021. Despite the challenges that continue to be presented to the supply chain, our team has risen to every challenge and continued to provide first-class services."
"Our continued success and being publicly recognised by our peers and customers for our efforts over the last 12 months has instilled us with a lot of confidence. We are on the right track for a strong performance in 2022 and I’m certain that even more successful times are ahead of us."
Bill Anderson, Director at UK Ports Directory said: "We are delighted to announce Peel Ports as the UK Ports Port Operator of the Year 2021. Peel Ports are undoubtedly a leading UK Port operator and we are looking forward to see what 2022 brings for them not only as a winner but as an outstanding supporter of the future of the UK Ports Industry."
For more information: peelports.com