PD Ports has officially opened a new multi-million-pound Marine facility on the banks of the River Tees, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the river, its users and the wider economy it supports.

The purpose-built facility at Cargo Fleet Wharf, within Teesport Commerce Park, in Middlesbrough, provides a permanent base for the teams responsible for maintaining the safe operation of the River Tees and Port of Hartlepool under PD Ports’ responsibilities as Statutory Harbour Authority.

Representatives from across the Tees river community,  came together to see first-hand the investment being made in the infrastructure and expertise that supports a safe, efficient and successful working river.

Also in attendance were Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East; Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland; Chris Cooke, Mayor of Middlesbrough and Councillor Ceri Cawley, Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland.

The event also featured a performance from local choir Men of Staithes, which includesTees Bay Pilot Lee Jackson, among its members.

The three storey facility brings Marine operations and Marine engineering together in one modern location, replacing ageing facilities at Vulcan Street which dated back to the 1960s.

It includes a specialist vessel maintenance workshop which, for the first time, allows smaller Marine vessels to be lifted from the river on to the quay and moved inside for maintenance and repair, creating safer and more efficient working conditions for the company’s specialist marine engineers who maintain the fleet.

The building was designed and delivered largely in-house by PD Ports’ own civil and facilities engineering teams, drawing on the skills of colleagues across the business and working with local suppliers where required.

Paul Foreman, Chief Executive Officer at PD Ports, said: “The River Tees is a major economic asset for our region and our responsibility to it extends far beyond our own operations at Teesport.

“As Statutory Harbour Authority, we have an important role to play in keeping the river safe, navigable and ready to support the businesses that depend upon it.

“That means continuing to invest in the people, infrastructure and expertise needed to fulfil that responsibility for the long term.

“This multi-million-pound investment is a very visible example of that commitment. It is an investment in our Marine team, but importantly it is also an investment in the river and the wider economy it serves.

“We are proud of the role we play on the Tees and equally proud to work alongside the many businesses, organisations and communities that collectively make this such an important working river.”

The new base also represents another step in PD Ports’ continued investment in its marine capability. The company has made significant investment in its fleet, including £23m in the Emerald Duchess.

From dredging and hydrographic surveying to maintaining navigational aids and providing oil spill response capability, PD Ports’ Marine team works every day to keep channels open and vessels moving safely, supporting businesses and industries across the Tees.

Chris Stocks, Marine Director at PD Ports, said: “Our job is ultimately about making sure the river works for everyone who relies on it.

“Every day our teams are surveying the river, maintaining navigational aids, dredging and maintaining our vessels, alongside providing the capability needed to respond to incidents. Much of that work naturally happens behind the scenes, but it is fundamental to keeping the Tees safe, open and operating efficiently.

“This facility puts us right at the heart of the river we serve and gives our people the environment and equipment they need to do that job effectively. It also gives us somewhere we can bring river users, customers and partners together and continue building on the strong relationships that make the Tees work.

“For me, it is visible evidence of ongoing investment in the river, in the people who keep it running and in the economy it supports.”