News: Port of Tyne’s CEO Andrew Moffat to Chair Maritime UK

Andrew Moffat will succeed David Dingle as Chairman of Maritime UK in July 2018.  Dingle has been Chairman for three years, leading the organisation through a period of increasing profile, rapid expansion and growing delivery.  He will remain on the Board, representing CLIA UK & Ireland.

Maritime UK brings together the UK’s shipping, ports, marine and business services industries to promote the sector, influence government and drive growth.  The sector supports just under 1 million jobs and contributes around £40bn to GVA.

Andrew Moffat has a background in senior financial, commercial and strategic roles in the UK and Europe.  He is Chair of CBI North East, and is a member of a number of local partnership boards, including the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, focused on the delivery of economic regeneration.  A former Chair of the British Ports Association, he was awarded a CBE in 2016 for services to the North East economy and UK ports.  An economics graduate from Newcastle University, he joined the emerging mobile telecommunications sector in its infancy where he gained nearly 20 years’ experience within a number of international companies including Orange, 3Italia and 3UK.

Commenting on his appointment, Andrew Moffat said:

“I am delighted to have been elected Chairman of Maritime UK and I will have the privilege of taking over at a time when the maritime sector is making real progress in raising its profile, speaking more clearly and compellingly to government, and fostering collaboration in key areas such as innovation - all to drive growth.  

“Under David Dingle’s Chairmanship, Maritime UK has become a significant national voice and vehicle for cross-industry collaboration.  I’d like to thank David for his tremendous service and commitment to the maritime sector to date I look forward to working with him in the run-up to our handover later this year and beyond.”

Welcoming his successor, David Dingle said:                                               

 “I am delighted that Andrew will be succeeding me later this year.  Knowing his commitment to Maritime UK makes me confident that our important work on behalf of our shipping, ports, marine and services industries will continue apace.

“Andrew’s experience with international companies in senior financial, commercial and strategic roles as well as with the CBI means that he will bring a huge amount of experience to this significant role.

“We have made huge progress, but there is much more still to do and  I look forward to working closely with Andrew.”

Ben Murray, Maritime UK Manager said:

“Maritime UK has made significant progress since the publication of the Maritime Growth Study, posting delivery against all of the recommendations for industry.  This success could not have been realised without David’s leadership, passion and determination.  He has worked tirelessly for the sector, and we will be forever grateful for his commitment and service.

“The Board and secretariat look forward to working with Andrew to continue this important work.  His background will ensure key programmes such as our regional cluster development programme, and the vital ports industry are at the heart of Maritime UK’s future work.”