In February we welcomed a group of 10 Royal Navy Reserves (RNR) from the Maritime Trade Operations (MTO) Branch to Teesport.
The MTO specialists paid a visit to Teesport to learn more about the industry by interacting with mariners and commercial shipping stakeholders.
Their branch links the Merchant Navy and the Royal Navy with a shared purpose of keeping ships moving around the world. They have previously supported operations in so-called ‘hotspot’ regions such as the Northern Arabian Gulf and the counter piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.
Whilst at Teesport the RNR personnel received a brief from a local shipping agent, had a port tour hosted by our Harbour Police force, boarded the Estraden Ro-Ro vessel and watched loading and discharging operations unfold.
The team met with Estraden’s captain to discuss everything from working with local law enforcement, to the potential perils of getting in and out of the river during difficult weather and sea conditions.
The RNR also had a tour of the Harbour Office and received a briefing on PD Ports’ VTS system from Vessel Traffic Services office, Phil Mogridge.
The weekend provided the opportunity for the RNR to develop first-hand experience working within one of the busiest ports in the UK. Such experience is vital for MTO reservists who themselves aim to provide mariners with reassurance at sea.
