ABP Colleagues - Armed Forces

ABP Engineer Mark Clay at Immingham Container Terminal tells us about his time in the British Army and his transition to ABP.

“I joined the Army at the age of 16 years to do my two year apprenticeship as a mechanic. I then did nine years in the Army. I was generally working on tanks but did work on everything when I was posted to an Engineer Regiment. I achieved the rank of Corporal and therefore I was in charge of junior ranks in my fitter sections.

I joined ABP on the 1^st February 2005. I had worked in the port sector since coming out of the Army, which suited me well given my experience of working on such a vast number and variety of equipment. I have worked as part of the maintenance team at the Immingham Container Terminal for the last 18 years. I enjoy it because every day is different, and we are always very busy working on the huge array of plant and machinery from all over the port.

ABP offers such a variety of jobs, the company always wants people to achieve improvement in the manner and methods of their work. It is very similar to the way the Army worked with a rank structure and uniform which makes the company stand out when compared to others – safety is one of ABP’s core values.”

ABP Health, Safety and Environment Officer, Rob Morrison.

“In my early career I did 14 years with the Royal Signals as a Signals Intelligence Analyst. After leaving the Army I was keen to join a large local industry with new challenges that would provide exposure to the new and specialized hazards.

I joined ABP as a Health, Safety and Environment Officer in 2001. Alongside my Health and Safety colleagues I work across ABP’s four Humber Ports - Immingham, Grimsby, Hull and Goole, where I advise on all aspects of health and safety. I enjoy the fact that my role is varied, and I can move between different terminals and departments, getting to know all about the industry and advising on some of the biggest operations in the area.

ABP provides a range of great benefits, including private health care as well as many unique opportunities to use your skills or acquire new skills. There is a genuine family feeling to the company with activities taking place outside of work too.”

Working in Marine Operations ABP Deckhand, Adrian Parry, shines a light on his longstanding career with the British Army.  

“My military career, started and ended within the British Army, completing 23 years’ service, and leaving as the rank of Sergent. Whilst carrying out my day to day duties as a training officer for my regiment I gained all my RYA qualifications up to Yacht master. I completed the adventure training courses that were free to service personnel and I also gained my powerboat instructor qualifications.

The certificates and skills I gained whilst in the Army put me in a good position when I was invited by ABP to interview as a deckhand for the pilot launch crews. I joined ABP in August 2023 and I’m now working towards becoming a senior deckhand.

ABP works around the same set of values and standards as the Army, we all act as one and look after each other. My team especially, made me feel welcome and part of the family straight away.”