MBE for Mersey Maritime chief executive
Chris Shirling-Rooke joined Mersey Maritime in 2013, taking the helm in 2015. He has transformed the organisation into a sustainable not for profit entity with hundreds of members. Tony McDonough reports
Mersey Maritime chief executive Chris Shirling-Rooke has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for service to the maritime industry.
Mr Shirling-Rooke joined the industry body in 2013, taking the helm in 2015. Since then he has transformed the organisation into a sustainable not for profit entity with hundreds of members.
Representing Liverpool city region’s £4bn powerhouse maritime sector, Mersey Maritime has established the region as one of the most successful maritime clusters in Europe. It has also led the way in encouraging and supporting collaboration between maritime clusters across the UK.
MBE stands for Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions within their field.
During his time as chief executive of Mersey Maritime, Mr Shirling-Rooke has forged strong links with national body, Maritime UK, and has regular contact with ministers and officials in the UK Government as well as politicians and trade officers in other countries as far afield as the US and Australia.
Mr Shirling-Rooke said: “I’m delighted and humbled to accept this incredible honour on behalf of the team at Mersey Maritime, my board of directors, our members, and our entire maritime ecosystem here in the North West.
“I’m privileged to work in this truly amazing and dynamic industry with fantastic people championing our world-famous maritime expertise, as well as working closely with my colleagues across the UK to drive much needed jobs and growth in our coastal communities, allowing us all to build on the immense opportunities we have ahead of us in a re-energised outwardly looking global Britain.”
Ben Murray, executive director at Maritime UK, added: “This honour recognises the work that Chris has been doing to support the development of regional cluster organisations, showcased by the great work Mersey Maritime do on Merseyside.
“Cluster organisations are critical to ensuring regions are at the heart of national maritime strategy and development, and as the Government focuses on levelling-up maritime is uniquely positioned to create jobs and drive growth across the whole country.”