Based on the south bank of the River Tees, at AV Dawson’s Port of Middlesbrough, shipping agency and ship broker Cockfield Knight & Co Limited has been helping vessels come and go for over 50 years. From handling paperwork and port logistics to ensuring everything runs like clockwork when a vessel docks, they’ve built a solid reputation as the go – to shipping agency on Teesside. It’s a business with deep roots but also one that is always looking ahead—balancing tradition with the demands of a fast-changing industry.
As a shipping agency, Cockfield Knight & Co, part of the AV Dawson Group, is the vital link between shipowners, port authorities and local service providers. They ensure everything runs smoothly when a vessel arrives at a port. They support ports across the North of England, including the Tees, Tyne and Wear and offer UK-wide representation; the team arrange pilotage and towage, handle customs documentation, co-ordinate deliveries and support crew members during their time ashore; Cockfield Knight ensures every detail is taken care of.
The team works around the clock to keep things moving, providing a seamless service which ensures safe, compliant and on schedule deliveries, avoiding costly delays. It’s a role that demands precision, local knowledge, and a steady hand – something Cockfield Knight has been delivering for generations.
The person responsible for heading up Cockfield Knight is General Manager, Gavin McCabe. Gavin has over two decades of shipping experience and as well as his role at Cockfield Knight he is currently a director and secretary for Tees and Hartlepool Port Users Association (THPUA) and also a director of the Tees Maritime Cluster, created to drive economic growth and innovation in Teesside’s maritime sector.
As General Manager of Cockfield Knight, Gavin said:
“Every day is different, and that’s what I love about it. One minute, the team is dealing with a vessel that’s just arrived from overseas; the next, working with port authorities or helping coordinate crew changes. My role is about keeping things moving smoothly – for our clients and the team here. It combines problem-solving, planning, and staying ahead of the curve. It is rewarding to be part of a company with such a strong history, deep rooted values and knowing we play a key role in keeping Middlesbrough connected to the world.”
The benefit of being based at the Port of Middlesbrough is that it allows the team to be on-hand to support the vessels coming in and out of the port, allowing customers to have comfort that the visiting vessels are supported with the agent on hand at any given time.
Cockfield Knight is a key player in the regional economy, specialising in ship agency, chartering, and specialist logistics. Its expert team, comprising members and fellows of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, delivers high-standard services across sectors including dry bulk, project cargo, nuclear, and offshore. This level of expertise ensures that customers receive a highly professional and knowledgeable service backed by practical experience and industry-recognised qualifications. Gavin’s commitment to continuous development not only strengthens the team’s capabilities but also builds trust with clients, who can be confident they’re dealing with professionals who understand the intricacies of port operations and global shipping standards.
Gavin has expanded his shipping knowledge tenfold by becoming a ‘Fellow’ of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), the professional body for all members of the commercial shipping industry worldwide. To become a ‘fellow’ member, Gavin had to undergo multiple exams and training.
Gavin said:
“I’ve been a part of the maritime industry virtually all my life. I began my career with a vision to work at sea when I joined the Royal Navy. My interest in the sector expanded once I came home from Navy and decided to look at careers in the maritime industry onshore.”
Since then, Gavin has done big things, including being part of the commercial team at AV Dawson’s Port of Middlesbrough and then being promoted to General Manager at Cockfield Knight. More recently, Gavin has taken on the role as a director and secretary for the Tees and Hartlepool Port Users Association and now also joined the newly formed Tees Maritime as a director.
Tees Maritime is a collaborative network of maritime-related businesses, academic institutions, and public sector organisations in the Tees Valley. It promotes innovation, investment, and sustainable growth in the maritime sector, aiming to position the region as a global hub for marine engineering, logistics, and offshore energy industries.
Gavin said:
“Being appointed as a director of Tees Maritime is a great honour. It’s been gratifying to help shape the direction of the cluster and look at how we can make a difference in bridging the gap between education and the maritime sector.
“It’s about time we championed and drove the sector I love into education so that future generations understand the maritime career opportunities open to them. The River Tees is a main artery for Teesside, and it should be taught more regularly in classrooms across the region.”
With a legacy built on trust and a forward-looking approach to innovation and client service, the company continues to play a pivotal role in shaping standards within its sector. As it navigates the future, Cockfield Knight remains committed to the values that have long defined its success—integrity, precision, and a steadfast dedication to its clients and community.