North-east oil and gas boss Peter Stuart has been appointed chairman of Montrose Port Authority.
Mr Stuart, who previously served as vice-chairman, said he plans to make the most of opportunities in the “burgeoning” renewables and decommissioning sectors.
He will succeed John Carmichael, who has been on the board for 11 years and chairman for the last three years and be supported by vice-chairman Hamish Watt and two new board members, Tom Brighton and Harry Knox.
Mr Stuart has been a board member since 2015 and has had a 40-year career in the oil and gas sector.
For the past 13 years he has worked in an advisory and executive management capacity with private equity firm SCF Partners. He is currently a non-executive director with Score Group, headquartered in Peterhead.
He said the Angus port plans to build upon recent successes and pursue its long-term diversification strategy for the future.
“This is a hugely exciting time for Montrose Port as we look to the future and how best to maintain and grow our existing energy support business, while at the same time making the most of the opportunities in the burgeoning renewables and decommissioning markets,” he said.
“I am delighted to have this opportunity to take over the chairmanship and would like to thank outgoing chairman John Carmichael for his hard work and dedication to the Port for the last 11 years.
“I have very much enjoyed working with him, and I am sure that I speak for everyone at the port in wishing him well in his retirement.”
Montrose Port Authority has operated as a trust port for nearly 200 years. The board brings a wide range of management and specialist expertise to Montrose Port and all trustees share the fundamental aim to maintain, improve and develop the port.
Last year Montrose Port was selected as the operations and maintenance base to support the Seagreen Offshore Wind farm.
This 25 year commitment from Seagreen will ensure ongoing investment and redevelopment of existing facilities.
Well known solicitor Hamish Watt joined the board of Montrose Port Authority in 2016.
Tom Brighton has lived in Montrose since 1978, attending Montrose Academy before commencing a 36 year career in the oil and gas industry working for Total, BG Group and finally Shell. He now works as a part-time independent consultant to the international energy sector.
Harry Knox has been involved in the offshore shipping industry for over 20 years initially sailing as an engineer on diving support and pipe laying vessels before moving into vessel management onshore in 2007.
He is currently managing director with V.Ships Offshore in Aberdeen and has the responsibility for their global offshore ship management operations, covering offices in Brazil, Monaco, Singapore and the UK.
Mr Stuart added: “Tom and Harry bring with them a wealth of relevant experience and knowledge and will no doubt play a big role in helping us to steer the direction of the Port going forward, and also in developing the strategies we need to keep us at the forefront of our sector.”
