Shipping giant DFDS has turned to the rail industry as it sets itself on a new safety route.
The Immingham-headquartered terminal operator has joined industry body RSSB as the first ever maritime member.
Managing director Andrew Byrne, who has more than 15 years experience of the rail industry sandwiched between port postings, said: “DFDS has introduced a new safety management system and a safety culture programme across the business that was developed and implemented at Immingham.
“We considered which industry to use to benchmark ourselves against, and the rail industry is one that has many similarities to the port industries. RSSB can help us to create a wider safety network outside of our traditional industry partners which will help us to see different perspectives and share and learn best practices.
“We know RSSB is traditionally rail focussed, but there is a mutual appreciation that creating a safety culture and using best processes to create a safer workplace is something that everyone is aiming at, regardless of the traditional industry the organisation supports.”
DFDS has operations stretching from Rosyth to Felixstowe.
The company’s freight shipping, warehousing and logistics operation at Immingham sits on a 175 acre, rail connected site with 520 employees and 10 warehouses. It operates 35 weekly sailings.
As part of its RSSB affiliation the company will be able to access a comprehensive resource library, along with world class training on human behaviours, safety culture developments and safety processes and practices.
Paul McLaughlin, business development and engagement director at RSSB said: “We’re delighted to welcome DFDS as an affiliate, strengthening the bonds between both rail and maritime sectors.
“So much of what we’ve learned and accumulated in the rail sector is also relevant to other safety critical industries and transport modes both in the UK and overseas, and we look forward to supporting DFDS now and in the future.”
