Chris Lewis, Deputy Chairman at Maritime Transport, has been awarded an OBE in the 2026 New Year Honours, in recognition of his outstanding service to the UK ports and logistics industries.
With a career spanning more than four decades, Chris is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the UK ports industry. He has held senior leadership positions at the country’s three largest container ports – the Port of Felixstowe, DP World Southampton, and DP World London Gateway – overseeing major developments that have strengthened the UK’s ability to support global trade.
Chris began his career in information technology and was instrumental in the early digital modernisation of port operations at the Port of Felixstowe. He led the introduction of systems that significantly reduced customs clearance times and improved container handling efficiency, helping to establish Felixstowe as a leader in digital port operations and setting benchmarks later adopted across the wider sector.
Alongside this, Chris was closely involved in securing planning approval for major port expansions at multiple UK locations and overseeing significant infrastructure investment. This included the delivery of new deep-water berth capacity and long-term development programmes, enabling ports under his leadership to accommodate larger vessels and growing volumes of international trade.
At DP World Southampton, Chris worked closely with frontline teams to embed a more collaborative operational culture, with a strong focus on coordination across people, systems, and equipment and infrastructure. This approach supported high levels of productivity and led to the container terminal being recognised as one of the most efficient in Europe.
As UK Chief Executive at DP World, Chris was responsible for both Southampton and London Gateway. During this period, he established a two-port strategy that encouraged a more balanced use of the UK’s container port network, improving resilience and providing greater continuity of service during periods of disruption.
Since rejoining Maritime in 2022 as Deputy Chairman, Chris has applied this depth of experience to the expansion of the company’s national infrastructure network, helping to shape major logistics and inland development projects across the UK.
Chris Lewis OBE, Deputy Chairman, Maritime Transport, said:
“I am very honoured to receive this award for a career in an industry that plays such a vital role in supporting the UK economy. I have been fortunate to work with many talented people over the years, whose dedication and expertise have been fundamental to the sector’s success, and I see this recognition as reflecting their contribution as much as my own. I am proud to continue contributing to the industry through my role at Maritime, helping to deliver a nationally significant road and rail logistics network that strengthens UK supply chains and supports the UK’s long-term sustainability ambitions.”
Andy Thorne, founder and Chairman of Kestrel Liner Agencies has also been honoured with an OBE.
Andy’s accolade is for services to British Exports and to British Interests in the Caribbean, including philanthropic work there.
Andy said:
“To have done the job I love all my life, and to have been recognised for doing it, is something very special. Thank you to all those who put me forward for this incredible honour.”
Congratulations Chris & Andy from the Multimodal team!
