North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has today (15 January) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the region’s major transport and logistics hubs – Port of Blyth, Port of Tyne, Port of Sunderland, and Newcastle Airport. By aligning strategies and resources, the North East Ports Partnership will strengthen global connectivity, drive investment, accelerate the transition to a net zero economy, and raise the North East’s profile as a world-leading hub for sustainable trade and innovation.
This landmark agreement will not only enhance trade and connectivity but also boost the North East’s green credentials, promoting offshore energy and renewable projects that are vital to the UK’s clean energy future. By aligning strategies and resources, the partnership aims to position the North East as a leading gateway for sustainable international commerce and innovation.
Key objectives of the MOU
Enhancing regional and global connectivity for businesses and supply chains.
Supporting clean energy and green innovation, including offshore wind, low-carbon fuels, and renewable energy infrastructure.
Promoting inward investment and creating high-quality jobs across the North East.
Collaborating on skills development to meet future workforce needs in green industries.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:
“This agreement is about unlocking new jobs by putting the North East back on the world map for business and tourism where it belongs. We have brought our three biggest ports and Airport together for the first time to unlock their full potential to drive sustainable growth, attract major investment and lead the way on green energy jobs. We are making the North East the home of the green energy revolution and our ports have a huge part to play in providing a gateway to the North Sea’s biggest offshore wind zones as well as being gateways to the whole world.”
Matt Beeton, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Tyne, said:
“The opportunities before the region are vast and the MoU provides the scale required to ensure the North East can lay claim to a future rich in employment through renewable energy deployment, automotive transition and large-scale manufacturing. By aligning our efforts, we can attract investment, create high-quality jobs and continue to strengthen the North East’s reputation as a hub for green technology and international trade.”
Port of Blyth Chief Executive Martin Lawlor said:
“The Port of Blyth is proud to play a nationally significant role in driving the UK’s clean energy future. This partnership allows us to tackle shared challenges and seize opportunities through innovation zones and advanced industries. Together, we can position the North East as a global leader in offshore energy and sustainable logistics.”
Port of Sunderland Director Matthew Hunt said:
Port of Sunderland’s public ownership with its long-term view on investment return has allowed it to successfully attract significant private sector investment in the circular economy and advanced materials handling sectors. This agreement strengthens our commitment to creating a greener, more resilient economy for the North East and beyond.
Newcastle Airport Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Alice Andreasen said:
“Connectivity is the lifeblood of economic growth. At Newcastle Airport, this memorandum enhances our ability to attract investment and connect the North East to key global markets. Together, we’re building a future where trade, travel, and sustainability go hand in hand.”
Key facts:
The North East ports collectively handle over 15 million tonnes of cargo annually, supporting industries from offshore energy to automotive manufacturing.
Newcastle Airport is preparing to welcome a record six million passengers this year and provides vital connectivity for the region to the world. The Airport contributes more than £1bn in GVA annually to the regional economy and has been recognised as a leader in its field for sustainability, scoring 100% in the 2025 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) assessment.
The North East Ports partnership is expected to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds in investment, create thousands of jobs, and cement the North East’s role as a leader in offshore energy and renewables.