Bibby Marine Services appoints Stephen Bolton to the role of Operations Director as build progresses on Bibby WaveMaster 1

Bibby Marine Services, owners of the recently commissioned Service Operations Vessel (SOV) for offshore wind farm operators, Bibby WaveMaster 1, has announced a key appointment. Stephen Bolton has been appointed Operations Director.

Stephen brings a wealth of industry experience to this strategically important role, having worked in the electricity industry for over 20 years. He has worked at both wind farms (including North Hoyle, Barrow, Lynn and Inner Dowsing, Thanet, Rhyl Flats and Gwynt y Mor), and in senior roles at electricity companies such as RWE and Centrica.

Stephen Blaikie, Chief Executive Officer of Bibby Marine Services, comments, “This appointment is a key role in the development of our company. Stephen Bolton is a seasoned professional who will help us to bring our new vessel to market and will work with wind farm operators, ensuring we deliver high quality access and accommodation solutions. He will be involved in the build and the ongoing management of the vessel as well as the strategic development of our business.

Stephen Bolton is highly experienced in the offshore wind sector, having been involved in the construction of the UK’s first offshore wind farm, North Hoyle. His pioneering approach led to a shift-change in Strategic Asset Management, delivering fit for purpose strategies that delivered whole wind farm asset management, as opposed to just wind turbine management.

Drawing on his direct operations experience at several wind farms, his comprehensive grasp of the needs of operators will enable him to deliver the highest levels of customer service.

Insights gained throughout his career made him an early proponent of the concept of the Walk to Work SOV. He explains, “From early on, I realised the step change in safety and operational efficiencies that could be gained from a properly designed Walk to Work SOV.

“Just as design is critical to the vessel’s success in terms of accommodation and access, I also believe that the ability of the vessel owner to deliver a range of services is vital. The combination of Bibby Line Group’s heritage and the many services it can offer, coupled with the design and build capabilities of Damen, results in a vessel that will be a real game-changer in offshore wind. I am delighted that I am taking a role that is helping to shape the future of offshore wind access.”

Stephen is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer (Leeds) with a Master of Business Administration (Henley). He has also published many thought leadership articles on Offshore Wind Asset management.

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Photos

·  Stephen Bolton, Operations Director, Bibby Marine Services Limited

Contact

Fiona Duckers, Bibby Marine Services Limited

+ 44 (0) 7810 803 415

Bibby Marine Services Limited

Bibby Marine Services Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bibby Line Group Limited. Its express aim is to serve the marine needs of the offshore renewables market. Bibby WaveMaster 1 is the first vessel to be commissioned by Bibby Marine Services Limited.

Its key features are:

·  Offshore transfers for special personnel and equipment by means of a motion compensated access system and heave compensated offshore rated knuckle boom crane on a stable DP-2 vessel platform

·  90m LOA

·  Comfort Class 2 accommodation - 60 individual ensuite berths

·  Helideck

·  Class-leading leisure facilities

·  Daughter craft and CTV landings

www.bibbymarineservices.com

Bibby Line Group

Bibby Line Group is a diverse and forward-looking family business with over 200 years’ experience of providing personal, responsive and flexible customer solutions. It is one of the longest established family-owned companies in the UK. From its roots in shipping Bibby has grown into an £1.7bn business, operating in more than 20 countries, employing 6,500 people in industries including retail, offshore, finance, distribution, shipping, marine based businesses, plant hire and woodland burials. Since 2007, Bibby employees have donated over £8.4 million to over 1,000 charitable causes.

www.bibbylinegroup.co.uk