Boat naming honour for outgoing CRT chief executive
How cool to have a boat named after you. Can there be a higher accolade? I always thought a street being named after you, or a library perhaps, would be incredible, but a boat has far more cache! This was the surprise that awaited Richard Parry, the outgoing chief executive of the Canal & River Trust. Volunteers and colleagues at the charity’s base on the Grand Union’s Hatton lock flight in the UK have named a new workboat in his honour.
The 30ft work boat and hopper will be used for operational maintenance including brickwork repairs, litter-picking and offside vegetation clearance in the West Midlands. Its nameplate includes reference to Mr Parry’s service as chief executive between 2013 and 2025.
“I have had so many wonderful comments and conversations with colleagues, volunteers and boaters since announcing my decision to step down – conversations I will cherish,” said Mr Parry. “But I was taken aback when I realised that the team was giving me the huge honour of naming a boat after me.”
ABS certifies world’s largest classed unmanned surface vehicle
What drew my attention to this story primarily was the name of the unmanned surface vessel that has been classed by ABS – the Surveyor.
At 20 meters long and capable of unmanned operations across all of the world’s oceans, the Surveyor is the largest class of USVs from Saildrone, a provider of maritime security, ocean mapping, and meteorological and oceanographic data using unmanned autonomous assets. The USV is capable of long-endurance missions in the open ocean, collecting deep-ocean bathymetry and performing a wide range of maritime domain awareness tasks.
“ABS and Saildrone are pioneering new frontiers, setting the pace for innovation. This step forward is a result of our investments in ABS’ technical capability and helping to ensure our Rules are able to support innovation with an unwavering focus on safety,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.
Vessels with no crew onboard? This would have been unthinkable 20 years ago. Fairwinds to the Surveyor.
Lloyd’s Register set to return to its historic home at 71 Fenchurch Street
This is a positive and uplifting story, perhaps akin to someone regaining their ancestral home. It seems, for obvious reasons, the move is a significant moment in Lloyd’s Register’s (LR) 265-year history with the return to its iconic Grade II listed London headquarters. Designed by renowned architect Thomas Collcutt and first opened in 1901, the building was purpose-built to house LR at a time when the organisation was expanding its global reach and influence.
Following a comprehensive refurbishment, the building will once again serve as the London headquarters for Lloyd’s Register Group and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, offering a modernised workspace for staff, clients and partners, while celebrating its architectural heritage. The Lloyd’s Register Building will again be accessed via the original wrought iron gates at 71 Fenchurch Street. A pair of 19th century sculpted speckled grey marble lions, a gift from LR’s first surveyor appointed to Genoa in 1872, guards the entrance hall. The 5th floor, originally a shooting range and later a staff canteen, is now a versatile event space called ‘The Bridge’.
Nick Brown, CEO of LR, said: “This is more than an office move, it’s a homecoming. LR has a long and important history associated with the Lloyd’s Register Building and we are delighted to be returning to it as our London headquarters. This move reconnects the organisation with its historic foundations and reflects both our rich history and our ongoing commitment to innovation, excellence and collaboration.
Trailblazing women take the helm at Marine Rescue Woolgoolga in Australia
I recall sharing a similar story to this one a couple of years ago about the first all-woman RNLI crew in the UK. So, it is encouraging to read that something similar has now taken place in Australia. Women in the surveying and maritime sector remain few and far between, although I understand it is growing albeit slowly. So, let’s celebrate the news that Marine Rescue Woolgoolga has made history as the first Marine Rescue NSW unit to appoint an all-female executive team.
The Mid North Coast unit, which boasts 44 volunteers, is now led by Unit Commander Taylor Marshall, supported by Deputy Unit Commander Lisa Mobbs, Treasurer Cherrill Powell, Administration Officer Susan Nielsen-Robson, and Membership Officer Dolly Clarke.
Unit Commander Marshall said the milestone had been warmly welcomed across the organisation and the community.
“It wasn’t planned, it just happened — and I’m glad it did. It’s making waves, and that’s nice. The unit executive is a wonderful group of dedicated women who believe in our members, the service and the community. I’m very excited to be on this journey with them and our incredible volunteers,” she said.
More nuggets for you next month.
Mike Schwarz