Navigating maritime: Bridge Issue 02

Written by James Bolton,
Brand Strategist & Creative Copywriter

After launching its first issue in October last year, we’re delighted to work alongside PD Ports to release the second edition of Bridge. Celebrating the work of PD Ports, their partners and stakeholders, the magazine showcases the River Tees as well as matters facing the industry on a global and regional level.

Progressing a partnership now in its 11th year, Bridge follows over a decade’s worth of work, stretching across brand strategy, identity, design and digital. It provides an opportunity to support one of the UK’s major port groups, who operate from 12 locations and employ around 1500 people nationwide.

The Spring 2023 issue focuses on themes such as net zero, digitalisation, skills retention and female empowerment. Alongside insights from the PD Ports team, the new edition of Bridge features guest articles from the likes of Alex Pepper, Senior Policy Lead for UK Major Ports Group; Peter Snaith, Partner of Womble Bond Dickinson; Matt Williamson, UK Head of Hydrogen at bp; Claire Preston, Head of Operations at Power of Women; and Gary Dawson, Chairman of the AV Dawson Group.

From a design perspective, the publication is elevated through refined cues and a high quality paper stock. Its neutral but more mature colour palette sits alongside clean and sophisticated type choices to bridge the gap between industrial-scale logistics and high-end lifestyle magazines. Structured yet versatile layouts complement a compelling image and illustration style that feels inherently human, positive and insightful. Once again, partnered with Michael Sreenan, whose portraits set the tone for a heightened aesthetic.

Our Creative Director, John Taylor, said: “Bridge is an opportunity to push the boundaries for PD Ports, allowing us to showcase their impact while expressing the people behind the stories. We’ve continued to create a distinct visual direction which is about informing and entertaining through a fresh, refined and elevated feel. PD Ports have embraced this approach, and as an agency it’s something that’s really exciting to see develop.

“More than ten years after our partnership began, we’re still finding ways to develop and grow the brand.”

Peter Snaith, Partner of Womble Bond Dickinson in Bridge Issue 02.

Peter Snaith, Partner of Womble Bond Dickinson – Bridge Issue 02 by PD Ports

Kirsten Donkin, Head of PR, Marketing and Communications at PD Ports, added: “As a business with over 150 years of history in the Tees Valley, PD Ports is very much part of its DNA and continues to be a catalyst for delivering investment, jobs and growth.

“Bridge draws together insights from business leaders, local personalities, and regional partners, as we strive to deliver the promise of levelling up, and build on our region’s position as one of the UK’s most exciting industrial and cultural areas.

“The publication also aims to offer perspectives on how we can continue to address challenges and seize new opportunities to make certain we achieve our shared ambition, benefiting both the region and the nation.”