Maritime Growth Study advisory group
The maritime growth study is supported by an advisory group which will help examine how to maintain and enhance the UK’s position as a leading maritime centre.
Purpose of the group
The advisory group supports the chair of the maritime growth study, Jeffrey Evans. The members of the group will utilise their expert knowledge and experience to help shape the conclusions of this study and provide advice to the chair.
The study is considering the opportunities and challenges that the UK faces in maintaining and enhancing its position as a leading centre for maritime and marine activity.
Membership of the advisory group
Michael Parker is the chairman of CMA CGM Holdings (UK) Ltd and its UK subsidiary MacAndrews & Co Ltd. He has been involved in the shipping industry for more than 40 years including a tenure as president of the Chamber of Shipping and is a member of the General Committee of Lloyd’s Register and the London Committee of Class NK.
Haralambos (Harry) Fafalios has worked as a Baltic shipbroker in the family business Fafalios Ltd for over 30 years. He currently sits on various industry bodies and has served as the chairman of the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee since 2010.
John Denholm is a qualified chartered accountant who joined J & J Denholm in 1980 and is now head of the company. He is currently president of BIMCO.
Tom Boardley joined Lloyd’s Register (LR) in 2009 as marine director with responsibility for worldwide marine operations as well as strategy and business development. Prior to joining LR, Tom held several senior management roles within the container shipping and ports industries.
Robin Mortimer joined the Port of London Authority as chief executive officer on 31 March 2014 having worked in the UK Civil Service since 1994. He joined Defra in 2004 and directed several major projects including the Government’s Major Infrastructure and Environment Unit.
Mark Rawson has been a manager with ship management company Zodiac Maritime for 14 years with particular experience in dealing with flag state administrations. He is a fellow of the Nautical Institute, a member of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and a Master Mariner.
Lambros Varnavides is the vice chairman of the Baltic Exchange. He recently retired from his position as managing director of Shipping at RBS having held that position since 1998 to concentrate on charity roles and academia. He joined Williams & Glyns in 1974 and moved with them when they were subsumed into RBS in 1985.
Richard Stephens is a tax partner at Watson Farley & Williams. He advises shipping groups on joining and operating within the UK’s tonnage tax regime, and acts for banks and borrowers in ship finance matters. He is also a member of the Chamber of Shipping’s Tax and Economic Committee.