ASSOCIATED British Ports has appointed Colin Henery as head of safety for its short-sea ports.ABP, the UK's largest ports owner, operates 11 short-sea ports, including Ipswich and Lowestoft.

ASSOCIATED British Ports has appointed Colin Henery as head of safety for its short-sea ports.

ABP, the UK's largest ports owner, operates 11 short-sea ports, including Ipswich and Lowestoft.

Mr Henery, 44, is safety manager at ABP's Port of Goole, a post he has held from 2002. He is expected to take up his new role early in 2008.

He joined the company in 1979 as an apprentice electrician at the Port of Hull, and became senior technical assistant before assuming his present role.

ABP short-sea ports director Matt Jukes said he was “very pleased” to welcome him to the post.

“He brings with him substantial experience in health and safety, covering both large and small port operations, in addition to his considerable engineering expertise. I am sure he will make a very positive contribution to the business and I look forward to working with him,” he said.

Mr Henery, who is married with two children, said he was “delighted” at his new role, and saw it as “an interesting challenge”.

He holds a Higher National Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and a NEBOSH diploma in occupational safety and health. He is a chartered member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. His leisure interests include fishing and supporting Hull City.