Mayor signs landmark deal with region's hubs

A North East transport and logistics partnership has been formalised to strengthen global connectivity, support clean energy ambitions and drive long-term regional growth.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness today (January 15) signed a memorandum of understanding to bring together the region’s major ports and airport under a new North East Ports Partnership.

Officials say the agreement unites Port of Blyth, Port of Tyne, Port of Sunderland and Newcastle International Airport, aligning strategies to attract investment, improve trade links and accelerate the shift towards a net zero economy.

They add the partnership is designed to raise the North East’s international profile as a hub for sustainable trade and innovation, while supporting offshore energy, renewable projects and low-carbon infrastructure critical to the UK’s clean energy transition.

Alongside boosting connectivity for businesses and supply chains, the collaboration aims to promote inward investment, create high-quality jobs and support skills development to meet future workforce demand in green industries.

Mayor McGuinness said: “This agreement is about unlocking new jobs by putting the North East back on the world map for business and tourism where it belongs.  

“We have brought our three biggest ports and Airport together for the first time to unlock their full potential to drive sustainable growth, attract major investment and lead the way on green energy jobs. 

“We are making the North East the home of the green energy revolution and our ports have a huge part to play in providing a gateway to the North Sea’s biggest offshore wind zones as well as being gateways to the whole world.”

Alice Andreasen, chief corporate affairs officer at Newcastle International Airport, added: “Connectivity is the lifeblood of economic growth. 

“At Newcastle Airport, this memorandum enhances our ability to attract investment and connect the North East to key global markets. 

“Together, we’re building a future where trade, travel and sustainability go hand in hand.”

Collectively, the North East’s ports handle more than 15 million tonnes of cargo each year, serving sectors ranging from offshore energy to automotive manufacturing. 

Newcastle International Airport plays a complementary role, providing global connectivity and contributing more than £1 billion in gross value added annually to the regional economy, while preparing to welcome a record six million passengers this year.

By formalising closer working across air and sea gateways, the partnership is expected to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds in investment, support thousands of jobs and reinforce the North East’s position as a national leader in offshore energy and renewables.

Matt Beeton, Port of Tyne chief executive, added: “The opportunities before the region are vast and the MoU provides the scale required to ensure the North East can lay claim to a future rich in employment through renewable energy deployment, automotive transition and large-scale manufacturing.

“By aligning our efforts, we can attract investment, create high-quality jobs and continue to strengthen the North East’s reputation as a hub for green technology and international trade.”

Martin Lawlor, Port of Blyth chief executive, added: “The Port of Blyth is proud to play a nationally significant role in driving the UK’s clean energy future. 

“This partnership allows us to tackle shared challenges and seize opportunities through innovation zones and advanced industries. 

“Together, we can position the North East as a global leader in offshore energy and sustainable logistics.”

Matthew Hunt, Port of Sunderland director, added: “Port of Sunderland’s public ownership with its long-term view on investment return has allowed it to successfully attract significant private sector investment in the circular economy and advanced materials handling sectors. 

“This agreement strengthens our commitment to creating a greener, more resilient economy for the North East and beyond.”

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