The UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG) has announced that Henrik L. Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of Associated British Ports (ABP), will become the organisation’s next Chair during its 30th anniversary year.
In his role at UKMPG, a trade association representing the voices of the UK’s largest port operators, Pedersen will reportedly chair the Board of other member CEOs and provide strategic direction for the organisation as it champions the vital role of the UK’s in ports in facilitating trade, enabling the green energy transition and catalysing the growth of investment and jobs all around the coast of the UK.
Henrik L. Pedersen, CEO of ABP, reflected: “I am honoured to assume the role of Chair of UKMPG and grateful for the opportunity to bring to the table all I have learnt at ABP and my knowledge of the global maritime industry.
“I would like to thank Charles for the fantastic work he has done during his tenure and hope to build on this solid foundation in order to grasp the opportunities presented by green growth.”
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Pedersen continued: “It’s an incredibly exciting time, but in the face of global competition, our sector can never afford to stand still. UKMPG members are investing, across this country, in new, clean technologies and infrastructure.
“Putting in place the right enabling policies and regulation to keep globally mobile infrastructure capital flowing into the UK is vital to continue this proud record. And making sure the UK maximises the value, from being a proud trading nation, to taking advantage of the green energy transition.”
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Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, Secretary of State for Transport, commented: “Ports play a pivotal role for businesses and supply chains across the UK, helping to grow the economy and sustain skilled jobs.
“I would like to congratulate Charles for being a great champion for major ports and I look forward to continuing to work with Henrik, Geraint and Claudio at UKMPG to support our vital UK ports now and in the future.”
Pedersen will focus on promoting sustainability and ports’ role in speeding the UK’s journey towards net zero, drawing on his expertise as the UK’s top port operator.
ABP noted that Pedersen pioneered the introduction of ABP’s first ever net zero sustainability plan, ‘Ready For Tomorrow’.
As part of this strategy, ABP is planning to invest £2 billion ($2.5 billion) to decarbonise its own operations and support large-scale green infrastructure projects to enable the wider UK energy transition.
In August 2018, Pedersen was named Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Board of ABP. He formerly worked as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at APM Terminals (APMT).
During his 20-year career with Maersk, he held a variety of top leadership positions in Denmark, US, China, Panama, Singapore, and the Netherlands.
