Peel Ports Group appoints Captain Susan Cloggie-Holden as its new group harbour master overseeing operations at multiple ports including the Port of Liverpool. Tony McDonough reports
Peel Ports Group has appointed Captain Susan Cloggie-Holden as its new group harbour master as Gary Doyle retires after 10 years in the role.
Glaswegian Capt Cloggie-Holden joins Peel Ports after a distinguished career with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), where she became its first female commanding officer in its 120-year history in 2021.
She now becomes the first woman to perform the group harbour master role at the port group. She will oversee marine operations across Peel Ports Group’s network, which includes the Port of Liverpool, Clydeport, and London Medway.
Based in Liverpool, Capt Cloggie-Holden will lead teams across seven harbour authorities in delivering their responsibilities for operational and navigational matters, including vessel traffic management, pilotage, harbour services and safety and security.
Gary Doyle steps down later this month after nearly a decade at the port operator and a career spanning more than 40 years at sea and in port leadership.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside the dedicated marine teams across the business and building on the strong foundations Gary has laid,” said Capt Cloggie-Holden.
“Gary’s contribution to the company and the wider maritime industry is immense, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to continue that legacy.”
Capt Cloggie-Holden joined the RFA straight from school in 2000. She became the first RFA female champion, set up a female-to-female mentoring scheme across the RFA, and also became a founding member of the Maritime UK Women in Maritime Taskforce.
This work saw her awarded the Merchant Navy Medal in 2021 for her work to support women in maritime. Six years ago she was named the Global Seafarer of the Year at the Lloyd’s List Europe Awards.
She has travelled the world and taken part in military and peacekeeping operations, including the initial Operation Veritas campaign against the Taliban in 2001-02 and supporting the post-Saddam Iraqi Navy in 2006-07.
Gary added: “I’m hugely proud of what we’ve achieved in my time here – from improving safety and efficiency across our ports to helping grow Peel Ports Group’s reputation as a trusted partner in global shipping.
“I’ve had a great time working here and it’s been a privilege to have worked with so many skilled and passionate colleagues over the last eight years. Susan is an outstanding choice to take the reins, and I wish her every success in the role.”
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David Huck, chief operating officer at Peel Ports, also said: “We’re delighted to welcome Susan, whose experience and vision make her ideally placed to lead us into the next chapter.
“Gary has played a central role in shaping the success of our marine operations, and his work at a national and international level within the sector is a testament to his field of expertise.
“He will be hugely missed by so many across our business, and we thank him for his exceptional service and leadership.”