Today, The UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG), the trade body for the UK’s largest port operators, is pleased to announce the appointment of Henrik L. Pedersen, CEO of Associated British Ports (ABP), as its new Chair and Claudio Veritiero, CEO of Peel Ports as Vice Chair.

The new team brings together leaders from across the UK’s largest port operators who operate in a wide range of sectors and cargo types. Henrik takes the baton from the outgoing Chair Charles Hammond OBE, CEO of Forth Ports. Charles has steered UKMPG through the turbulent waters of the COVID period, major global supply chain upheaval and significant Brexit changes.

2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the UK Major Ports Group. Formed by a small group of pioneering and ambitious port leaders, today it continues that ethos of ambition, growth and delivering through major port operator investment substantial value to the UK. That value has expanded in scale and scope not foreseen back in 1993, notably in the crucial role ports play in the net zero transition. In this anniversary year UKMPG members recommit to delivering the port infrastructure and services that underpin the UK’s trade with the world, much greater sustainability and boosting jobs, prosperity and opportunity in coastal communities all around the UK.

Promoting sustainability and ports’ role in accelerating the UK’s journey towards net zero will be a key focus for Henrik, who will draw on his experience from ABP, the UK’s leading port operator. He joined ABP as CEO and Executive Director of the Board of ABP Holdings in August 2018, from APM Terminals, a global ports company owned by the Maersk Group, where he served as Chief Commercial Officer. During his 20-year tenure with the Maersk Group, he held a wide range of senior leadership roles based in Denmark, USA, China, Panama, Singapore and the Netherlands.

“I am honoured to assume the role of Chair of UKMPG and grateful for the opportunity to bring to the table all I have learnt at ABP and my knowledge of the global maritime industry. I would like to thank Charles for the fantastic work he has done during his tenure and hope to build on this solid foundation in order to grasp the opportunities presented by green growth.” reflected, Henrik L. Pedersen, CEO of ABP.

Having spearheaded the launch of ABP’s first ever net zero sustainability strategy, ‘Ready For Tomorrow’, he is no stranger to championing green growth. As part of this strategy, ABP is planning to invest £2 billion to decarbonise its own operations and support large-scale green infrastructure projects to enable the wider UK energy transition.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Ports play a pivotal role for businesses and supply chains across the UK, helping to grow the economy and sustain skilled jobs.  I would like to congratulate Charles for being a great champion for major ports and I look forward to continuing to work with Henrik, Geraint and Claudio at UKMPG to support our vital UK ports now and in the future.”

Over the past years, UKMPG has gone from strength to strength, representing the views of operators who, between them, provide the gateways for 75% of UK trade, and invest around £500 million per annum in UK ports and infrastructure.

Geraint Evans, Chief Executive at UKMPG, said: “I would like to warmly welcome Henrik to the role as Chair of UKMPG and thank Charles Hammond, the outgoing Chair, for his efforts throughout the years.  As we celebrate 30 years of raising the profile of ports, we look forward to working together to ensure that we can fulfil their potential of supporting green growth and high-quality jobs across the UK.”

Charles Hammond OBE, outgoing Chair of UKMPG, added:  “It has been my privilege to Chair the UK Major Ports Group for nearly a decade. This has been a time of major change for the industry as we embrace new technology and work to help the nation hit its Net Zero targets, both through the industry’s support for the renewable energy sector and our own determination to make ports as environmentally friendly as possible. Ports are key to keeping the economy moving through resilient, low carbon supply chains.

As I hand over the reins, I know that I am leaving the UKMPG in good hands with the new team of Henrik, Claudio and Geraint. I believe that the UKMPG has the talent and position to be effective at influencing the development of policy, working with colleagues across Government and the wider sector, and I look forward to seeing the results of this.”