Εισηγητής
Neil Davidson, Port Sector Expert
Neil Davidson has over 30 years’ experience in the port sector, retiring in 2020 and retaining an interest in, and passion for the sector.
A graduate in International Transport from the Department of Maritime Studies, Cardiff University, his initial industry experience included working for Lloyd’s of London and the Medway Ports Authority, Sheerness, UK. He then spent 8 years with the Port of Tilbury, London, specialising in market research and business planning. He was closely involved in the successful management buy-out of the port in 1992 and its subsequent trade sale to Forth Ports plc in 1995. He also gained freeport status for the port, acting as Freeport Manager for 2 years. He joined Drewry Shipping Consultants in 1997 and founded the company’s ports practice, contributing to both single-client consultancy work and publications through to 2020. His consultancy experience included participation in port projects in locations including Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East. This covered assignments such as market studies, traffic and revenue forecasting, privatisations, strategic analyses and M&A due diligence. He was author and editor for Drewry’s port publications and has spoken at numerous industry conferences and seminars worldwide, as well as lecturing students.
Andrew Francis, Ports & Shipping Consultant
Andrew Francis is a professional in ports operations and development with an experience of over 35 years. Experienced in operations delivery, business leadership and transformation, and most recently, in the Corporate Human Resources function of a global leader in port operations and trade facilitation. Has worked globally, including Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan), Asia (India, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Kazakhstan) Africa (South Africa, Mozambique, Egypt, Djibouti, Algeria) Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean.
Andrew has been a Container Terminal Manager at Port of Bristol and Port of Liverpool.
Then, he joined P&O Ferries North Sea, responsible for safe and efficient operation of 4 passenger and freight Ro-Ro terminals. He was responsible for safe and efficient operation of 4 passenger and freight Ro-Ro terminals. He implemented major cost saving initiatives and projects including implementation of trans-lifter / cassette system, dynamic labour rostering, terminal layout changes and rationalization of passenger terminals. He was responsible for vessel deployment – 4 x Ro-Pax vessels plus 5 x freight vessels, in liaison with Fleet Dept. on port services, safety management and incident management system. Andrew, then, worked for DP World as Head of Global Operational training and Development and as Director at DP World Institute. He was responsible for the management and delivery of all DP World Institute programmes and training solutions globally, as well as the leadership of all terminal business and operational initiatives. This role involved a high degree of integration and cooperation with the Talent Management team, Regional and Business Unit laders, ensuring integrated use of resources to meet Corporate Human Capital objectives globally, and aligning L&D solutions to position-based competency standards and business needs. Now Andrew is working independently, on short, medium and longer-term global projects, advising and supporting related organisations in the development of people, resources and business activities in the ports, maritime and logistics sectors. He holds a Higher Diploma in Marine Engineering from Glasgow Nautical College and an MBA from University of Wales.