PD Ports has been crowned Business of the Year and winner of the Green Innovation category at the prestigious North East Chamber of Commerce Awards, recognising the company’s outstanding commitment to sustainability and regional economic growth.
The double win highlights PD Ports’ ambitious journey to become the UK’s most sustainable port operator, powered by clean, green energy and driven by a culture of innovation and responsibility.
As owner and operator of Teesport, plus 10 other sites across Teesside and the wider UK, PD Ports plays a critical role in the nation’s trade, providing essential access to global markets.
Operating in a sector reliant on heavy plant and machinery, PD Ports has a long-standing commitment to cutting carbon emissions and lessening our environmental impact – with a goal of achieving Net Zero operations by 2040.
In naming PD Ports Business of the Year – selected from across the night’s individual category winners – the judges praised the company’s forward-thinking approach, combining a clear sustainability strategy with long-term investment in people and community.
The commendation added: “Its ambition to become the UK’s most sustainable port, supported by major infrastructure upgrades and a strong focus on skills, sets it apart as a sector leader.”
Sustainability is embedded across PD Ports.
In the last 18 months we have invested millions in electric-powered port infrastructure – from cranes to cargo handling equipment – installed solar panels across our sites and encouraged energy-saving initiatives across the workforce.
In 2024 the company also launched its first Sustainability Strategy, setting out a path to becoming a greener organisation and a proud supporter of our employees and local communities.
Michelle Robson, PD Ports chief people and compliance officer, said: “We were thrilled to take home the Green Innovation Award – a true testament to our commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
“To then be named Business of the Year was a huge honour – make no mistake, this win belongs to every single person across our ports up and down the UK, who turn up every day with grit, graft, loyalty and heart.
“To be recognised in a room full of such incredible North East talent was a moment of pride not just for PD Ports, but for our whole region. There is so much energy, ambition and innovation — the North East is on the move, and we’re proud to be part of driving that forward.
“We’re not finished yet, but we’ve made real progress – thank you to everyone who has helped us get here.”
Ashley Carney, Chamber events and awards manager, said: “Congratulations to PD Ports on being named our 2025 Business of the Year – and to all of this year’s winners and finalists. The standard was incredibly high, and every shortlisted business should be proud of what they’ve achieved. Our judging process is transparent, supported by our category sponsors and adjudicated by an independent panel, so recognition at this level really means something.”