RMS Group adds to team as Humber set for trade boom

The ports operator says that the Humber is on the cusp of a development and trade boom fuelled by the burgeoning offshore wind industry.

Ahead of an expected increase in cargo movements, Goole-based RMS has recruited Craig Hodgson as group commercial manager and David Allen as group business development manager.

The appointments coincide with an announcement that commercial director Paul Crossland will retire in December but continue to work as a consultant with the company until the end of 2016.

RMS chief executive Peter Aarosin said: “Despite the downturn in the economy from 2008 through to last year, which was reflected in ports activity, the company has continued to go from strength to strength.

“Now the business is once more growing very strongly and we are looking to take further advantage of an expanding market.”

Siemens and Associated British Ports are jointly investing £310m in offshore wind manufacturing facilities in Hull and on its eastern boundary while, on the south bank of the Humber, hopes remain high that the £450m Able Marine Energy Park will attract further investment from the rapidly-growing renewables sector.

Mr Aarosin, who is also chair of the Bondholders marketing organisation which promotes the Humber, said: “The renewable energy sector will be a huge catalyst for new trade which will bring increased business activity, employment and prosperity to the Humber over coming years.

“There is an unprecedented opportunity for very strong growth in the ports and logistics sector on the Humber, which will have a ripple effect across the wider economy in the region.

“These appointments are about positioning ourselves to take full advantage of these business opportunities, so that RMS grows as the Humber becomes ever more important as the UK’s energy estuary and major gateway to and from European and world markets.”

RMS has port operations in Hull, Goole, Immingham and Grimsby, as well as owning and operating RMS Trent Ports. The business employs more than 200 people.