Port of Tyne drives ahead with fresh Nissan deal

Port bosses say they have secured thousands of jobs after extending a car maker deal.

Officials at the Port of Tyne have signed a fresh five-year partnership with Sunderland-based Nissan.

The agreement – which covers vehicle imports and exports – builds on a near three-decade relationship with the manufacturer, which has seen the port help send models to more than 130 countries.

It also means the trade hub will play an integral role in Nissan’s roll out of a £1 billion battery factory and building of a new zero-emission vehicle on Wearside, from where it has long made the all-electric Leaf hatchback.

Known as EV36Zero, officials say the venture will create thousands of jobs nationally and deliver a “world-first electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem” that will draw together electric vehicles, renewable energy and battery production.

Matt Beeton, chief executive at Port of Tyne [pictured, above, centre], which handles 600,000 vehicles every year, said: “We are incredibly proud to be supporting one of the UK’s biggest car manufacturers, and to have the opportunity to make a major contribution to the adoption of electric vehicles globally.

“This agreement demonstrates Nissan’s long-term commitment to the port and its importance to the wider region.”

Michael Simpson, Nissan vice president of supply chain management [pictured, above, right], added: “The Port of Tyne has been an integral part of our supply chain for many years.

“As it continues to grow as a clean energy and green distribution hub, it will play a vital role in our vision for a carbon neutral future.”