A high-ranking member of the Royal Navy is due to take a new role at the Port of Milford Haven.

Commodore Ian Shipperley CBE of Devonport will join the port authority as a Non-Executive director.

Currently the Commanding Officer of the largest naval base in Western Europe, Commodore Shipperley is due to retire from the Royal Navy.

He has almost forty years’ experience in port operations and a proven track record in the management of risk and safety at Board level.

After joining the Royal Navy in 1980, he has held a number of maritime roles including Marine Engineering Officer of HMS Southampton where he took part in disaster relief in the Caribbean in the wake of hurricanes, Chief Engineer of HMS Ocean during the 2003 Gulf War and Head of Safety Policy for the Royal Navy leading a 5000-strong naval engineering branch as the Deputy Chief Naval Engineer Officer.

Commodore Shipperley is looking forward to serving as a Non-Executive Director.

“I have been particularly impressed with plans for the regeneration of Milford Waterfront and Pembroke Port, whilst at the same time continuing to operate Wales’ largest port capable of delivering almost 30% of the UK’s seaborne trade in oil and gas,” he said.

Chris Martin, Chairman of the Port of Milford Haven, said: “We are delighted to appoint Ian to the Board.

“His experience in the marine industry coupled with his vast knowledge of safety policy will be an asset to the overall expertise of the Board.

“We are currently in the process of appointing two new members, which we expect to complete by the spring.

“I would like thank our outgoing members David Snelson and Sue Davenport for the outstanding contribution and enthusiasm they have shown towards the Port’s achievements and vision for the future during their terms.”