Port of Tyne’s new marine director showcases sustainable fuels drive at maritime industries conference

New marine director, Ashley Nicholson MBE, 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 second day of the annual Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) Annual Conference at the Sage, Gateshead.

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 now 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 also 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 commented: “The port is on a transformational journey to be a centre of excellence as the UK decarbonises, electrifies, digitises and automates its future.”

“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.”