PD Ports is spearheading an initiative to maximise transport routes serving Teesport by promoting greater use of rail and short-sea shipping and reducing the environmental impact of road haulage.

The Freight Management Partnership has been launched in collaboration with multi-national shipping companies, Network Rail, Highways Agency and the Road Haulage Association as well as stakeholders including Tees Valley Combined Authority.

The group has been set up as part of PD Ports’ wider group strategy for Teesport as the Northern Gateway for shippers serving Northern markets as well as its potential to be a major catalyst in rebalancing the economy in the North of the UK, especially Teesside.

The inaugural meeting, which was held at PD Ports’ headquarters in Middlesbrough last week, set out its objectives to identify transport priorities to and from Teesport - the UK’s fifth largest port by volume.

Reducing road-based freight transport would not only lower costs and congestion but also significantly cut CO2 emissions and speed up supply chain logistics.

The award-winning port and logistics company is working closely with the road haulage industry to ensure it develops a strong communication platform, minimise any delays on the roads around Teesport and encourage wider development of the sector, particularly relating to skills and training in the area.

Currently supporting more than 3,000 jobs across the North-East, it is vital to develop Teesport’s transport infrastructure to maximise its ability to serve customers and stimulate further growth. Ultimately, this will provide greater opportunity for Teesport to attract further inward investment to the Teesside region, boosting its economy and that of the wider North.

Tesco and Asda have already located vast distribution centres at Teesport to make the most of its portcentric logistics and improve efficiencies.

David Robinson, PD Ports’ CEO, said: "The aim of the Freight Management Partnership is to work collaboratively with key partners in the industry to improve Teesport’s connectivity.

"Teesport has the potential to be a major catalyst in rebalancing the economy in the North of the UK, and in particular Teesside, as part of the Northern Powerhouse strategy.

"We are striving to promote rail links and reduce the impact of haulage freight on the UK road network to increase efficiencies – by streamlining customers’ logistics we cut their costs too," he added.