New President for UK Harbour Masters Association
Forth Ports
Pic Peter Devlin
From June 10th, Ashley Nicholson (Senior Harbour Master, Forth Ports), will become the new UKHMA President.
Nicholson has worked for Forth Ports for nearly 12 years, starting her career with the port group in 2008 as VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) Operator. She joined Forth Ports after graduating from Strathclyde University with a BSc in Nautical Science in 2007 and a brief spell at sea with Saga Cruises.
Nicholson was one of the initial group of Harbour Masters in the United Kingdom to achieve the MCA Acknowledged Harbour Masters Certificate of Competency, and now forms part of the certificate management group who continue to support this industry lead qualification.
Nicholson has held her present role of Senior Harbour Master since 2017 and currently manages all the ports on the River Forth, now focusing on the Ports of Grangemouth, Rosyth, Kirkcaldy, and Burntisland.
She became a full member of the United Kingdom Harbour Masters Association back in 2011 and was raised to the UKHMA Executive Council during 2016, progressing to the position of Vice President and subsequently President elect during 2018.
Nicholson recently won the prestigious Scottish Engineering / Incorporation of Hammermen of Glasgow Award for the role she played in managing the marine operations during the construction of the new Queensferry Crossing in the River Forth, and more recently received the Women in Industry award at the Centre for Engineering Education and Development Industry Awards 2020 for her continued efforts to drive change towards a more gender diverse workforce within the maritime sector.
“I look forward to my time as President of the UKHMA and will strive to continue the excellent work of my predecessors in representing the Harbour Masters of the UK,” Nicholson says. “I shall promote, encourage and grow the association while continuing to provide a valuable return to the UKHMA membership and the Harbour Mastering community in general.”
Nicholson succeeds outgoing Association President Julian Seaman (Harbour Master / Marine Director Shoreham Port) who has promoted the safe operation and efficient management of UK Ports and Harbours during a period that has overseen record levels of UKHMA membership and industry engagement.
