Pride in Heritage

Since Roman times, London has functioned as one of the world’s major ports, generating thousands of jobs for Londoners.In the case of one family, it has become part of their personal heritage, with male family members working in the port industry for generations.

John Adams, DP World’s Commercial Director for Europe and Russia, generates and maintains business relationships with shipping lines, major manufacturing companies and other DP World clients across the globe. For him, being involved with London Gateway, as DP World’s largest new development in the world, is the pinnacle of an extensive career in ports and shipping.

When questioned about his inspiration, John looks no further than fellow shipping expert and his own father, George Adams. John said: “Families have their own traditions be it in a sporting, lifestyle or professional capacity. For us, the tradition is working in shipping, and more specifically in London ports.

“One of my Grandfathers was a tug skipper, the other worked at Millwall Docks. My Dad had an extensive career in the industry and all their brothers, uncles and sons have followed suit too.

“Having seen my male relatives lead such exciting careers in the ports and shipping arena, it felt natural for me to do the same. Now, being involved in the development of London Gateway is a real privilege.”

But for John’s father, George Adams, working in shipping was often a more physically demanding task.

After refusing to evacuate at the start of World War II, 15-year-old George started as an Apprentice Lighterman, transferring goods between ships and quays, aboard flat-bottomed barges known as lighters.

Having worked as a Lighterman on the Thames for 16 years, with a five year gap for compulsory service in the Royal Engineers working on various craft, George became a Stevedore in 1955.

George explains: “Following the war, there was a shortage of men following their fathers into stevedoring so I decided to move across for a change."

A Stevedore, who loaded and unloaded a ship's cargo, had to be extremely knowledgeable in the operation of loading equipment, the correct handling of hazardous materials and physically very strong.

George continued: “This meant working in the docks for very long hours but the wages of an Apprentice Lighterman had left much to be desired. If you worked overtime from 6-8am, you got paid 1 shilling 6 pence (equivalent to 7.5p in today's money).

“As Lightermen, we would be outside in all weathers; as Stevedores or Dockers down the ship's hold, we would often carry 200 weight (100kg) sacks of sugar or 100 weight (50 kg) sacks of cement on our backs. Cement bags were hot, gritty and dusty and we used to rub Vaseline inside our nostrils to stop the dust affecting us.”

In June 1967, George became a Chief Instructor for the London Dock Labour Board, educating new recruits in the elementary skills, safety procedures, history of the port and trade union organisation.

With the rapid advances in shipping & port technology, George also supervised the training of existing Dockers in new machinery such as quay cranes, straddle carriers (a large container moving vehicle), 5th wheel traders and 20 tonne forklift trucks. During this period George used his knowledge to write a book on port organisation on behalf of the National Ports Council.

Having retired at 65, George has cooperated in another book titled “Docklands”, sponsored by the Greater London Council.

George's son, John Adams, has worked in shipping for 32 years and now, as DP World's Commercial Director Europe and Russia, works for the fourth largest container operator worldwide, as part of a global team of over 30,000 people.

London Gateway will ensure that London continues to thrive as a vital world trading hub, providing sustainable jobs well into the future.