Grimsby's port manager is moving upriver, taking the reins of Associated British Ports鈥 largest facility of its kind 鈥 Immingham鈥檚 Humber International Terminal.

Ashley Curnow鈥檚 promotion to the new position of head of operations for HIT comes just 18 months after taking on the role at the first port on the river.

A former graduate management trainee, he will now head up a terminal employing more than 100 people, featuring the world鈥檚 largest biomass handling facility.

The 27-year-old will be responsible for ensuring the ongoing safety of all terminal users and employees, and leading on all aspects of terminal operations, while working with some of the port giant鈥檚 largest customers.

Mr Curnow, who joined ABP from Swansea University and has just bought his first house in North East Lincolnshire, said: 鈥溾業 am very proud and excited to be running the operations of ABP鈥檚 largest terminal.

Ashley Curnow, pictured on Grimsby River Terminal, off Grimsby Docks which is to be developed to cater for larger ships.
Ashley Curnow, pictured on Grimsby River Terminal, off Grimsby Docks which is to be developed to cater for larger ships.

鈥淚 feel like I have come full circle since working in the Humber for ABP. As part of my management training, I worked closely with the operations team at the terminal and am now very proud to take on the role as head of operations. This is a great example of how ABP is supporting employee growth and development.鈥

Keen to build on excellent results, his achievements at Port of Grimsby are described as setting a good precedence for his new role.

Simon Bird, regional director of ABP Humber, said: 鈥淎shley鈥檚 work in Grimsby has seen the expansion of our automotive and renewables business and in partnership with the local authority, Ashley has kick-started the port regeneration plans.

"I am looking forward to having him lead operations for the Humber Internal Terminal.鈥

Expansion of the land-based facilities at the former Huntsman Tioxide site has been completed on his watch, providing additional storage, with proposals to expand also initiated.

滨苍苍辞驳测鈥檚 Triton Knoll offshore wind farm has also landed in Grimsby, following Orsted鈥檚 拢14 million East Coast Hub launch.

ABP is currently reviewing the delivery of operations in Grimsby.