Tyne’s Marine Director showcases sustainable fuels drive
(Posted on 18/03/22)
New Marine Director, Ashley Nicholson MBE has showcased the Port of Tyne’s vision for a decarbonised fleet of port vessels, while responding to the switch to sustainable fuels by the deep-sea global shipping sector.
At the start of the year, Ashley joined the Port of Tyne as Marine Director, following over a decade at Forth Ports working across their Scottish ports on the Firth and Tay. During her time there, she rose from Vessel Traffic Services Officer to Senior Harbour Master. She is in charge of the port's marine operations, including pilotage and conservancy, and leads on the decarbonisation of the port's vessels and responding to global trends as deep-sea shipping switches to sustainable fuels. This work is integral to the Port of Tyne’s sustainability vision to be net zero by 2030 and all-electric by 2040.
Ashley is an industry advocate for encouraging more women into the maritime workforce. This work was recognised in the Queen’s 2021 New Year’s Honours. She is the first female President of the UK Harbour Masters' Association. Ashley was one of the first British harbour masters to be achieve the Harbour Master Certificate from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
“The port is on a transformational journey to be a centre of excellence as the UK decarbonises, electrifies, digitises and automates its future”, commented Ashley Nicholson MBE, Marine Director, following her address to a collection of ministers, Government officials and 190 industry representatives at the two day SMI conference.
“The Port of Tyne is a leader in innovative business change and I’m looking forward to applying my industry expertise to challenge the industry, both regionally and nationally, to forge a rapid path to a more sustainable future.”
Ashley’s appointment is the latest addition to the Port of Tyne’s leadership team, following the recent appointments of Charlotte Brown as Chief Commercial Officer and the promotion of former Head of Operations, Graeme Hardie, to Operations Director. Alan Feast will continue in his role as Harbour Master.
Matt Beeton, CEO at Port of Tyne, commented on Ashley’s appointment: “We are delighted to welcome Ashley aboard and look forward to working with her. Her passion and strong experience align perfectly with our values and the Tyne 2050 objectives. She will be a great asset to the team and, indeed, the region, as we drive forward with our net zero plans and growth aspirations for the North East.”
Latest News
Rotterdam throughput falls in first nine months of 2025
(Posted on 04/11/25)Total throughput in the port of Rotterdam fell slightly by 2.6% in the third quarter of 2025 compared... Read more
Bayan, Indonesia, reaches 100,000 operating hours
(Posted on 04/11/25)E-Crane Asia has announced a major milestone achieved by Bayan in Indonesia: the company’s three... Read more
Teesport automated weighbridges boost bulk cargo efficiency
(Posted on 27/10/25)PD Ports has successfully introduced fully automated weighbridge systems at Teesport and Hartlepool,... Read more
Mixed picture for Antwerp-Bruges in volatile trade climate
(Posted on 24/10/25)In the first nine months of 2025, Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 202.6 million tonnes of maritime goods... Read more
NPRC presents strategic course at 90th anniversary assembly
(Posted on 20/10/25)The 90th General Assembly of the inland shipping cooperative NPRC has highlighted the importance of... Read more
Bilbao leads in transparency among Spanish ports
(Posted on 17/10/25)The Bilbao Port Authority has obtained the highest score in the second evaluation of the Mandatory Information... Read more
Embassy reception highlights Hamburg – Czech Republic partnership
(Posted on 14/10/25)The economic and logistical ties between the Czech Republic and Hamburg were brought to the attention... Read more
Italian ports expand capabilities with Liebherr
(Posted on 08/10/25)Liebherr has dispatched four additional mobile harbour cranes to Italy, reaffirming its role in the... Read more
Euroports celebrates 25-year Terminal Rinfuse Venezia concession
(Posted on 08/10/25)Euroports, Europe’s largest port infrastructure operator, has celebrated its new strategic 25-... Read more
PhilaPort acquires 152-acre Mustin Yard
(Posted on 07/10/25)PhilaPort has announced that it has acquired the Mustin Yard Property from Norfolk Southern Corporation... Read more
