North Star Shipping, the UK emergency response and rescue vessel (ERRV) operator, has appointed a new chief executive as it looks to expand into the offshore wind market.
Industry veteran Mathew Gordon will take over the post at the private equity-backed company later this month. He replaces Callum Bruce, who is retiring.
“With vast experience in the offshore and marine sectors, Gordon has held senior positions in Unique Group, Atlantic Offshore, Viking Seatech and Subsea 7,” North Star said in a statement.
Bruce, who boasts a 34-year career in the offshore industry, will remain in the short-term to ensure “the smooth transition of responsibilities”.
Aberdeen-based North Star has recently established North Star Renewables and is seeking to deliver a new fleet of vessels to support the emerging offshore wind maintenance market.
Steven Lowry of North Star’s owner, Basalt Infrastructure Partners, said: “We have found the right person to take North Star forward.
“His experience and drive will be invaluable as North Star seeks to further evolve its services in the emergency response and rescue vessel market and the rapidly-developing offshore wind sector.”
Among Gordon’s first tasks will be overseeing the integration of North Star’s recent acquisition of Boston Putford Offshore Safety.
The former Seacor Marine North Sea standby safety business was acquired late last year in a transaction worth £19.5m ($25.1m).
Commenting on his retirement, Bruce said: “After all these years, I am sad to be leaving the business but felt the time was right for me to handover the reins.
“I know I leave the business in capable hands and have no doubt Matt will bring new ideas, while maintaining the values we have for providing our clients with the highest possible level of service.”
North Star owns and operates 46 vessels supported by a fleet of about 70 fast rescue craft and 50 daughter craft.
