A NORTH-EAST shipping community has appointed senior business leaders from two of the region’s most successful port facilities to represent the industry.

Gary Dawson, AV Dawson managing director, and Garry O’Malley, Redcar Bulk Terminal (RBT) managing director, take on the chair and vice chair roles for the industry body, the Tees and Hartlepool Port Users Association (THPUA).

Mr Dawson takes over the reins from former chair, Stuart Brookes, of ConocoPhillips, whom he has supported as vice chair for the last two years.

He and Mr O’Malley bring a wealth of experience to their new roles; both from the perspective of their roles as senior business leaders but also the businesses they represent.

AV Dawson and RBT are both successful port facilities on the Tees that have been going from strength to strength – each has recently made announcements of major investments and new contract wins. Both business leaders also bring expertise and contacts through their involvement in supporting international businesses import and export a wide range of cargoes through the Tees.

Mr O’Malley said: “The THPUA is a long established organisation with a huge heritage and a strong membership today that includes the entire shipping industry supply chain from port operators to agents and pilots, through to Teesside’s industry heavyweights that use the river including British Steel, ConocoPhillips, Huntsman Polyurethanes, ICL Boulby, Stobart Energy and SABIC.

“I’m really proud to be at the helm of such an established, well regarded membership group. I’m looking forward to working with Gary Dawson and continuing in the good work that he and Stuart Brookes have started over the last two years to reinvigorate this group and work with all our members, the Statutory Harbour Authority, government and international contacts to promote trade on the Tees.”

Mr Dawson said: “The Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen has been very open in his views about the River Tees, the importance of industry on the river and how critical it is to the future success of the region.

“He is keen to work together with the THPUA to increase river trade and thereby improve the region’s economy. This is therefore a fantastic opportunity for us to work more collaboratively with the Mayor and the Statutory Harbour Authority PD Teesport for the greater good of the river and the region.”