A STRONG port network has a vital role to play in the recovery of the North-East economy, an expert said last night.

Kevin Shakesheff, a former president of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) world controlling council, was speaking as shipping industry leaders from across the world arrived in Durham City for the institute’s annual meeting.

Figures released last week by the North East Chamber of Commerce showed exports by manufacturers were a particular strength for the region, rising significantly over the past quarter.

Mr Shakesheff, who is also chairman of Teesside-based Casper Shipping Limited, agreed that having a strong port network was vital to furthering export success.

He said: “The North-East is in a logistically excellent position and we should be handling every type of cargo.

“Without ports, what you are going to be faced with is long-haul by the roads to the southern ports which takes a long time, causes extra expense and, in terms of the green agenda, is not particularly desirable.

“Cargo by ship has considerably lower emissions than rail and road. If we didn’t have these ports, there would be more cargo on the roads and more rail traffic.

“By coming through the North-East ports you can keep employment in the area.

“With shipping, you have to employ people for everything else that goes with it, such as the service industries that are attached to shipping.”

Today, delegates will hear about Teesport from PD Ports chief executive David Robinson, an ICS member, as well as his counterparts at the ports of Tyne, Sunderland and Blyth.

Martyn Pellew, group development director of PD Ports, has recently returned from a trade mission to Shanghai, where he discussed with Chinese companies the opportunities for investment in the North-East.

He said: “One of the things you need is good logistic links, ports are very important.

“We have heard that the budget deficit is to be partly dealt with by exports, so looking for an export-led opportunity for the UK to earn more money, part of that requires good port facilities.”

The ICS has 25 branches around the world and more than 4,000 members.

It is the first time the group’s annual meeting has taken place in the North-East, with delegates from countries as far as Canada and Australia attending.

Andrew Dobson, North- East chairman of the ICS, said: “It is a major opportunity to showcase the region, its ports and the industrial and transportation infrastructure which supports the region’s economy.”