SME Port of the Year
Sponsored by Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions
Winner: Dart Harbour
Dart Harbour was recognised for its inclusive culture and innovative ethos. The harbour has delivered a new training pontoon for Britannia Royal Naval College, refurbished ageing infrastructure and improved facilities across its local area, demonstrating how a small port can deliver significant improvements with limited resources.
Inclusive Workplace Award
Sponsored by Waterman Group
Winner: Port of Milford Haven
Milford Haven Port Authority was recognised for championing inclusion and being named one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women 2025. The port is leading the way on diversity, equality and inclusion through inclusive leadership, accessible workplaces and initiatives designed to inspire the next generation of talent.
Port Development Award
Sponsored by Ramboll
Winner: PD Ports
PD Ports’ multi-million-pound Marine facility at Cargo Fleet Wharf on the River Tees brings marine operations and engineering together in a modern, purpose-built building. The investment includes specialist vessel maintenance facilities, improving safety and efficiency while supporting the long-term operation of the River Tees and Port of Hartlepool.
Port Sustainability Award
Sponsored by ABB
Winner: Port of Dover
The Port of Dover was recognised for becoming the first UK port to achieve net zero status for its Scope 1 and 2 emissions. It has also developed and implemented a comprehensive sustainability strategy, alongside delivering a programme of environmental stewardship across the port and within the local community.
Exceptional Contribution (Team)
Sponsored by Liebherr GB
Winner: Poole Harbour
Poole Harbour's exceptional team response to a major oil spill caused by a third-party pipeline in one of the UK’s most environmentally sensitive marine areas scooped the exceptional team contribution award. The port's response, together with its subsequent sharing of lessons learned with the wider ports industry, demonstrated outstanding collaboration, professionalism and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Exceptional Contribution (Individual)
Sponsored by Liebherr GB
Winners: Joe O’Neill, Belfast Harbour, and Sara Bassett, Shoreham Port
Belfast Harbour CEO Joe O’Neill was honoured for his outstanding service and community leadership, having overseen a period of transformational investment in the port and its wider estate across the city. Joe has also promoted innovation across the port as well as leading the development of a new comprehensive environmental strategy.
Meanwhile Sara Bassett, Operations, Safety and Logistics Director and Deputy Chief Executive at Shoreham Port, was recognised for her 20 years of service. During this time, she has overseen sustained financial growth and diversification of business activities at the port. Her contribution also includes a range of voluntary activities including acting previously as honorary treasurer for both the ports industry bodies, the British Ports Association and Port Skills and Safety, as well as her work with the Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce.
Industry Award, recognising a market leading port service supplier
Sponsored by Jacobs
Winner: Ashfords
Law firm Ashfords was recognised for its pivotal contribution to the UK ports sector. The firm has developed a comprehensive client base across the industry, helping ports progress ambitious development plans while supporting wider industry efforts to improve the harbour revision order process.
