13 February 2023
To help deliver the port’s ambitious Masterplan, previous head of operations, Ian Diaper, has taken on a new role as deputy director at Portsmouth International Port.
Following a successful four years as head of operations and achieving a number of milestones for Portsmouth, Ian will now be fully deputising for port director Mike Sellers as the business continues to expand, following the launch last year of its 20-year Masterplan.
With a lifelong career spent in shipping, Ian joined the Portsmouth team in 2019, since then the port has seen significant growth in both cruise and ferry operations, and sustainability targets.
Ian Diaper, Portsmouth International Port’s deputy director said: “As a major UK port, critical route for cross-channel trade and the Channel Islands, Portsmouth is a fantastic place to work with huge opportunities for the future. I’m hugely proud of the ambitious statements we’re making on sustainability and working alongside our customers and partners to achieve joint goals.
We are working closely with Brittany Ferries to deliver new hybrid vessels in line with their expected growth, alongside being shore power ready in the next two years. The industry is changing and I want to ensure that we are moving at the same pace to become a smart port of the future.
My aim is also to establish Portsmouth as the UK’s second largest cruise port. When I first joined we were welcoming around 20 cruise calls a year – we are now looking at nearly 100 calls for 2023 and this is only increasing, thanks to our dedicated team.
The port’s success is a key part of the city’s success, which is something I’m honoured to be a part of and represent the port as the new deputy director.”
Delivering the multi-million pound berth extension, one of the port’s most complex engineering projects, has resulted in the number of cruise calls tripling in Ian’s time at the port – with visits from Virgin Voyages, SAGA Cruises, AIDA and many other boutique cruise lines and first time calls to the UK.
Since the announcement of Portsmouth International Port’s masterplan last year the port has already delivered on key targets, with a new carbon neutral terminal extension opening this summer and securing the power capacity required to become the UK’s leading shore power port.
The ports rapid growth has meant additional support for port director Mike Sellers in meeting business demands and customer needs.
Mike Sellers Portsmouth International Port’s director said: “With the port’s ongoing success, the requirement for a deputy director became clear. Ian’s proven expertise have been invaluable and will continue to support our future plans. I am very grateful for the work Ian and his operations team have achieved in the last four years and look forward to seeing what comes next.”
Ian has worked both shore and water side, taking on roles across all marine activities including stakeholder planning, pilotage, berthing and stevedoring, enjoying the day-to-day rewards and challenges of operating a working port.
Portsmouth will continue to look to the future as we work towards meeting our net carbon neutral ambitions ahead of Portsmouth City Council’s and the government’s 2030 target.