Shipping line makes city its home
LIVERPOOL’S maritime credentials have received a fresh boost ahead of the opening of the city’s new enhanced port facility in the next few months.
Safmarine UK and Ireland, a container shipping line that specialises in Africa and the Middle East services and is a part of Danish shipping giant Maersk Line, is moving its office to the city from Felixstowe in Suffolk.
It will share Maersk Line’s Old Hall Street base and be led by Gary Jeffreys, who has been appointed country manager and has moved from Maersk Line HQ in Copenhagen.
Jeffreys replaces Mal Hurdidge, and will oversee the relocation of the UK office.
The company said 12 people would be relocating from Suffolk to Liverpool, where the group already has 150 staff.
Jeffreys joined Maersk Line in 2003 after a short stint with Evergreen. He managed sales teams in the UK for a number of years before moving to Copenhagen as global head of sales capability, responsible for developing and delivering a sales training university for Maersk Line’s global commercial organisation.
He said “I am delighted to be joining Safmarine. With new investments in an improved online booking system and a full commitment to partnering and collaborating with our customers, it has a compelling offer and approach to shipping that I believe is unmatched in the industry. I am looking forward to being part of its journey in the UK and Ireland.”
Brian Godsafe, managing director of Maersk Line, said “Gary is an experienced shipping professional with over a decade spent working with customers to support their businesses. When looking for Safmarine’s next leader in the UK and Ireland he was the outstanding candidate and someone that embodies the brand’s values and culture.”
