Port operator PD Ports and the ports of Shoreham, Stornoway, Montrose all scooped awards at the 2024 British Ports Association conference, alongside engineering specialists Arch Henderson, at a packed event in Portsmouth.
This year’s BPA Awards ceremony took place alongside the Association’s Annual Conference at the iconic Boathouse 7 in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, proudly hosted by Portsmouth International Port. The BPA was thrilled to receive an exceptional number of entries, showcasing the incredible work and innovations from organisations across the industry. This was all who participated and made this event a true celebration of excellence! All the nominees can be viewed here.
Inclusive Workplace Award Winner: Shoreham Port
Shoreham Port has created an inclusive workplace by making real change through its staff survey, such as tangible improvements to its PPE and healthcare plan. They also have gender-balanced interview panels, support young people with apprenticeships and internships, and emphasise staff development with leadership training, mental health first aid, and neurodiversity training.
BPA Industry Award Winner: Arch Henderson
Arch Henderson was the lead engineering design consultant for the recently opened £420 million Aberdeen Harbour Expansion. The Harbour’s main contractor pulled out halfway through pandemic, and Arch Henderson helped the Port of Aberdeen take on the role of main contractor, supporting its construction, additional procurement, and re-design of one of Europe’s largest greenfield port capital investment projects.
Port Development Award Winner: Stornoway Port
Stornoway’s £59 million Deep Water Terminal, completed in April 2024, is the largest infrastructure project in the Outer Hebrides, enabling the port to accommodate the largest cruise ships and support the renewables industry. The terminal, completed on time and on budget, is set to drive economic growth through increased cruise traffic, energy sector engagement, and expand cargo operations.
SME Port of the Year Award 2024 Sponsored by SLR Marine Recruit Award Winner: Montrose Port Authority
Montrose have in recent years surpassed all turnover projections and support approximately 450 jobs in the local area. They have also recently improved the town’s air quality with the launch of their shore power project Plug Montrose, have supported over 70 organisations, schools, and charities over the past three years, and are now restoring the town’s historic Customs House.
Port Sustainability Award 2024 Sponsored by Liebherr Great Britain
Award Winner: PD Ports
PD Ports has committed to achieving Net Zero operations by 2040, with interim goals including carbon neutrality in Tees-based landside operations by 2027, driven by steps like converting heavy machinery to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and electrifying port cranes. Additionally, PD Ports launched its first sustainability strategy in 2024, outlining 17 environmental, social, and governance goals, including projects like sea grass and oyster restoration in the River Tees and supporting regional conservation efforts.
Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive at British Ports Association said:
“Congratulations to all the winners, this was an excellent year for ports industry, which was reflected in the quality of nominations. The Awards celebrate progression in organisational change, environmental performance and and infrastructure development. All of the finalists demonstrated a high level of excellence and they showed the wide array of exciting developments and achievements there have been in our sector.
Thanks also go to our sponsors, people specialists SLR Marine Recruit and leading crane manufacture Liebherr GB. In addition we are grateful to all our award judges for their involvement and of course our hosts at Portsmouth International. It was great to work with our partners to celebrate the ports sector’s achievements.”