Katy Ware has been named as the new boss of the UK Ship Register (UKSR) in what is believed to be the first women to lead the organization.
Ware, who joined the UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) in 1999 as a surveyor, is already its director of maritime safety and standards
The MCA said customers of the UKSR are “set to benefit from a more collaborative approach and improved customer service” under her leadership.
Ware is described as having a “strong background in maritime safety and standards” and leading some “impressive transformation projects”, as well as working to promote and elevate shipping safety standards both in the UK and internationally.
She also leads the teams responsible for the MCA’s technical and surveying expertise.
“With the two departments being integrated they will be working together towards offering customers a more comprehensive service, with full access to the agency’s in-house surveyors and technical experts,” the MCA said.
To support Ware in her expanded role the MCA said it has recruited an interim business manager, Mark Seastron, who will be focused on “developing the UK Flag brand and service proposition”.
The MCA said the Directorate of Maritime and Safety Standards has also been bolstered by a “refreshed senior leadership team” as part of its modernization, but gave no further details.
Ware, who is also the UK’s permanent representative to the IMO, is said to have taken over the reins at “an exciting time” as the UK flag has recently expanded its ownership eligibility.
“It’s important to me that we now work alongside our customers to understand what they want from the UK Flag to help us develop our offering even further,” Ware said in a statement.
“Collaboration, partnership and trust are key focus as we transition the UK ship register with our policy and technical services.”
