News & Media

20th April 2018

Shadow Transport Secretary of State for Transport visits Port of Tyne

The Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Andy McDonald MP, paid his first visit to the Port of Tyne on Friday 20 April.

The former solicitor has been a Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough since 2012 and was previously Shadow Minister for Transport and a member of the Justice Committee.

Mr McDonald said: “As one of the UK’s major deep-sea ports the Port of Tyne is a major contributor to both the local and national economy.

“And as an island nation it is essential that we strengthen the UK’s maritime sector and help ensure Britain remains competitive as a world leader in this vital industry.”

While on tour of the Port’s 600 acre estate, the Mr McDonald learnt more about the potential of the Port of Tyne Enterprise Zone sites and saw the latest development of a new wood pellet terminal, which is currently part of one of the largest construction projects in the UK.

Andrew Moffat, Port of Tyne Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman Elect of Maritime UK, said: “The Port of Tyne adds just under £700 million to the UK economy, supporting 14,000 jobs and like all UK ports we need to focus on the future and how we can contribute to sustaining trading gateways to world-wide markets.”