Noel Tomlinson appointed Vice Chair of the SMI Commercial Maritime Group Council

BMT is delighted to announce Noel Tomlinson's appointment as Vice Chair of the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) Commercial Maritime Group (CMG) Council. This distinguished role in a UK maritime trade association and sector-authority highlights the significant recognition of Noel's expertise and dedication to the maritime industry, emphasising his crucial contributions to the SMI's central function in the sector.

Noel's extensive maritime background, notably his foundational engineering experience in the Royal Navy and his pivotal role in commercial maritime operations, positions him as a key figure in driving forward the initiatives and objectives of the CMG. The council, spanning the maritime industry's breadth from large corporations to SMEs across public, private, and non-profit sectors, is dedicated to driving growth and innovation both within the UK and on a global scale.

Noel Tomlinson shared his thoughts on this appointment, "Being appointed as Vice Chair of the CMG is a tremendous honour and responsibility. This role underscores the importance of our collective efforts within the SMI to bolster the UK's maritime industry, ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and global cooperation. Drawing from my experiences across the commercial maritime sector, I am committed to contributing to the CMG's mission, fostering an environment where all our members and stakeholders can thrive."

The SMI Director, Helen Stephen, expressed enthusiasm for Noel's new role, stating, "Noel's appointment as Vice Chair is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities and his comprehensive understanding of the maritime industry's challenges and opportunities. His vision for the CMG aligns perfectly with the SMI's objectives as the UK's leading maritime engineering, marine science and technology trade association, and we are excited to see the impact of his contributions on our members and the broader industry."

The SMI is instrumental in advancing and aiding firms engaged in ship design, construction, and modernisation, while also actively shaping and participating in UK policy discussions within both commercial and naval sectors. Noel's new position as Vice Chair will further enhance the CMG's work overseas in supporting international trade shows, facilitating trade missions, and ensuring that the UK's maritime industry remains adaptive and responsive to global trends and regulations. Noel will be providing essential support to current Chair Kevin Robertson in his new capacity.

In addition, Noel's leadership in the SMI Workboat Working Group and his proactive engagement in various industry and government initiatives reflect his deep commitment to the future of maritime. His efforts are geared towards fostering growth within the UK maritime supply chain and advocating for practices that ensure safer, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient shipping.

What is the SMI Commercial Maritime Group (CMG) Council ?

The Commercial Maritime Group (CMG) Council sets the policy and guides the activities of this market area, utilising the extensive expertise of it’s members companies of the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) and represents the interface with UK and international shipyards and ship owning communities. Member companies range from large corporations to small manufacturers and SME’s seeking to develop their business associated with the building and operations all types of merchant ships and craft, including cargo vessels, container ships, tankers, bulkers, fishing boats, LNG carriers, FPSOs, specialist ships, passenger/car ferries, ro-ros, fast ships, superyachts and cruise liners.  Their products and services of member companies cover a huge breadth of the industry and are employed on a significant amount of commercial vessels all over the world.