The Port of Tyne has appointed Paul Foster to a new post as Director of Projects with a remit to drive forward its ambitious development plans.
Before joining the Port, Paul was project director for an international renewable energy business based in Manchester. His career began with 15 years’ service in the Royal Engineers, and included work in the construction industry managing multi-million pound projects across Europe, South Africa and Mexico.
With extensive project management experience in the defence, renewable energy, building and civil engineering sectors, Paul will take responsibility for strategic infrastructure projects planned for the port’s estate both north and south of the River Tyne. This includes the project delivery of the potential £180m project to expand the Port’s wood pellet handling, storage and transport operations.
“ I have joined the Port at an exciting time and am looking forward to seeing these plans through to fruition. I am relishing the unique challenge of delivering the wood pellet project with its particular technical demands and its significant impact on investment and jobs in the area ,” said Paul .
Andrew Moffat, the Port of Tyne’s Chief Executive Officer added: “ With his extensive background in managing huge infrastructure projects around the world and particularly in the renewable energy sector, Paul brings a wealth of expertise to this key role and we are delighted to welcome him to the team.”
The Port is already the largest handler of wood pellet in Europe and its major development plans will enhance its existing storage and handling facilities serving power generating customers in the UK.
The Port of Tyne announced record cargo volumes last year and assesses its impact on the regional economy at £507m in 2013, with the number of jobs it supports in the region standing at 10,500.
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Press Release, July 7, 2014