Focus Maritime to Promote Port of Halifax across Europe

Liverpool-based maritime advisory firm and consultancy Focus Maritime (North West) Limited has been appointed to promote Canada's Halifax Port Authority across Europe.

The move by the Nova Scotia-based authority is aimed at strengthening its presence across the continent and sees Liverpool-based Graham Fraser take on the role of director, business development and growth - Europe.

Strategically located as North America's first inbound and last outbound gateway, the Port of Halifax is a deep, wide, ice-free harbor. It is one of just a few eastern seaboard ports able to accommodate and serve post-Panamax container vessels.

Connected to virtually every market in North America, the Port of Halifax is served by CN Rail and supports container, bulk and break-bulk cargo facilities with direct access to rail.

George Malec, vice-president, business development and operations with Halifax Port Authority, said, "We are pleased that Graham has joined the Port of Halifax team. With wide experience across all sectors of the industry and deep knowledge of European and North American markets and operations, he will further enhance the position of the Halifax Port Authority in Europe, with carriers, shippers and freight forwarders."

Fraser has 30 years' experience in shipping and has held senior commercial, operational and planning management positions at CMA CGM, CSAV, Kent Line Limited and Kent Line International, Contship Container Lines and Canada Maritime.

He founded Focus Maritime (North West) in Liverpool in 2012 and has since developed a portfolio of partners in the transport, banking and manufacturing sectors.

He said, "My initial focus shall be in the non-containerized sector together with shippers and forwarders and I am keen to start building new partnerships in Europe."

Fraser commenced his career at sea with Bibby Bros. of Liverpool, sailing as a second officer and serving as a sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve (Seaman Branch).

He has a BSc (Hons) in Maritime Commerce from the University of Wales, Cardiff, and an MBA from Cranfield School of Management. He is also a member of trade association Mersey Maritime.

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