Paul Bristowe has taken over as ABP’s new Head of Marine in the Humber, replacing Gary Wilson, who is retiring after 50 years in a maritime career. The Marine team comprises of 300 people and includes the Humber Pilots.
Paul comes to the Humber from BP plc where he recently ran the Trading Operations team, looking after oil and gas logistics for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He previously spent four years as BP Shipping’s Global Head of Voyage Operations with responsibility for orders, monitoring and optimisation of 50 owned and 200 chartered vessels transporting oil, gas, products, and chemicals.
Before joining BP Paul served for 25 years in the Royal Navy where he flew Sea King helicopters before moving into a succession of warfare roles at sea. His military career culminated in Command of HMS Somerset where he led a seven-month maritime security deployment undertaking counter-piracy and escort operations in the Indian Ocean, Somali Basin and Strait of Hormuz. Highlights included the Royal Marine boarding team releasing the crew of a hijacked Pakistani fishing vessel, and a combined operation where Somerset’s crew arrested a gang of Somali pirates who had overthrown an Italian merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden.
Simon Bird, Regional Director of ABP Humber said: “We are delighted to welcome Paul to ABP. From his international experience with BP to his distinguished 25-year service in the Royal Navy, Paul brings the leadership, commercial acumen and technical knowledge we need for such an important role overseeing the shipping movements for 17% of the nation’s trade.”
Mr Bristowe said: “I’ve been impressed by the scale of operations on the Humber which play such an important role in keeping Britain trading. I’ve also been heartened by the high standards of professionalism of the people I’ve met and the all-important safety culture of the organisation. I’m looking forward to spending time with all the various teams, understanding their roles and helping identify improvement opportunities.”
