Blog

17th June 2019

Bringing offshore expertise to the Port of Tyne

Meet Simon Brett, Commercial Director, Port Services, who joined the Port of Tyne in May 2019, responsible for bulk, automotive, project cargo, cruise and ferry, and developing our portfolio for the offshore maintaining and manufacturing supply chain.

I joined the Port of Tyne from Associated British Ports (ABP) where I was most recently Head of Projects on the Humber. In my role as Head of Projects, I led the Siemens Gamesa, Green Port Hull project; totaling a combined investment of £310million, the project was delivered on time and within budget in 2018. It’s fair to say this hugely complex project was the highlight of my career to-date.

With over 30 years of experience within the maritime and port sector, I began my career with the Crown Estates and later Westminster Dredging, before joining ABP’s Graduate Training Programme. I was lucky to be taken on after completing my Graduate Programme, and quickly assumed the role of Marketing Manager at Hull, then Commercial Manager at Cardiff, moving to become Port Operations Manager at Newport, before progressing in 2004 to become Deputy Port Manager Immingham and Grimsby. Eventually, I assumed the role of Head of Projects at Humber in 2013.

Since joining the Port of Tyne, I have spent the last few weeks meeting up with customers and stakeholders, and better understanding the Port’s operations. I hope to utilise my past experience to build on the great reputation the Port has in bulks and renewables.

The Port of Tyne is one of the UK’s major deep-sea ports, closer than any other port to the offshore wind farms at Dogger Bank, Hornsea and Seagreen; I’m excited to join the team and look forward to the challenges associated with taking the Port to the next phase — developing a major hub for offshore energy.

The biggest challenge I can foresee, is optimising the space and facilities available on-site, ensuring they are future-ready for the next offshore opportunities that will come with the allocation of the Contract for Difference.

In my spare time, if I’m not looking after the kids and my grandchild, I like watching football; I used to be a former Football Association Referee.