New Marine Director (Harbour Master) appointed by Harwich Haven Authority

14 April 2023

Harwich Haven Authority is pleased to announce that William Barker has been appointed as Marine Director (Harbour Master) of Harwich Haven Authority with effect from 3 April 2023.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, he will take up the statutory duties and responsibilities of the Harwich Haven Authority Harbour Master with immediate effect. In addition to leading on the Authority’s marine operations activities, he will be a key member of the Authority’s senior leadership team.

As an experienced maritime professional, Will has more than twenty years’ operational experience working within statutory harbour authorities, safety of navigation, pilotage, dredging, hydrography and construction project management.

Will joins the Authority from the Peel Port Group where he managed the Mersey Marine Team. He previously worked on the Hinkley Point C project to establish a new harbour authority and facilitated the construction and operation of a 500-metre aggregate import jetty. He has also held roles at Shoreham Port, Littlehampton and Chichester Harbour.

Will Barker, Marine Director (Harbour Master) commented: “I’m delighted to be joining one of UK’s largest trust ports, which is responsible for safety of navigation in one of Europe’s busiest trade gateways.

“In addition to almost five thousand commercial vessels movements in the Haven each year, the Harbour and Rivers Stour and Orwell attract in excess of 10,000 leisure vessels to the area during the season.

“I join the Authority at a busy time as they look to deliver some very exciting initiatives, which include the completion of the £130 million Harbour Improvement project and the implementation of a new Vessel Traffic Services and Port Management Information System.

“On a personal note… I’m looking forward to getting out on the water to explore the Haven and the surrounding area.”

Sarah West, Chief Executive added: “Will brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role and everyone at the Authority extends a warm welcome to him.”

 

For further information contact: Fiona Brunning, Corporate Affairs Manager, Harwich Haven Authority – 01255 252310/07425 63209 Email: [email protected]