We are delighted to announce that our Chief Executive Officer, Neil Glendinning, has been awarded an OBE in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Master Mariner Neil enjoyed a successful career with the Merchant Navy before joining Harwich Haven Authority in 1998 where he became a senior Marine Pilot. In 2009 he was appointed to the position of Harbour Master & Marine Manager before moving into the role of CEO in May 2014. In April 2021 he was appointed Chair of the British Ports Association, the major voice of the industry.

“My initial reaction on hearing that I’d been awarded an OBE for services to freight in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list came as a total shock,” says Neil.

“It goes without saying that 2020 was a very difficult year for many UK businesses and everyone worked really hard at Harwich Haven Authority to ensure that all Haven Ports were able to continue to bring essential supplies into the country. Indeed, we managed to operate at 100% capacity with no delays to ships carrying these cargoes.

“I am very honoured to have been recognised but I accept the award on behalf of everyone at the Authority who worked tirelessly to keep our operations running efficiently during some very challenging times. I couldn’t be prouder of my amazing team.”