Stephen Bolton Operations Director Bibby WaveMaster 1

Bibby Marine Services, UK-based owners of the recently commissioned service operations vessel (SOV) for offshore wind farm operators, Bibby WaveMaster 1, has announced to have appointed  Stephen Bolton as operations director.

Stephen brings industry experience to this strategically important role, having worked in the electricity industry for over 20 years. He has worked at both wind farms (including North Hoyle, Barrow, Lynn and Inner Dowsing, Thanet, Rhyl Flats and Gwynt y Mor), and in senior roles at electricity companies such as RWE and Centrica. His pioneering approach led to a shift-change in strategic asset management, delivering fit for purpose strategies that delivered whole wind farm asset management, as opposed to just wind turbine management.

Stephen Blaikie, chief executive officer of Bibby Marine Services, comments that  he sees Stephen Bolton as a seasoned professional who will help the company to bring their new vessel to market and will work with wind farm operators, ensuring to be delivering high quality access and accommodation solutions. He will be involved in the build and the ongoing management of the vessel as well as the strategic development of Bibby Marine Services’ business.  

Walk to Work

Insights gained throughout his career made him an early proponent of the concept of the Walk to Work SOV. He explains to have realised the step change in safety and operational efficiencies that could be gained from a properly designed Walk to Work SOV.

Just as design is critical to the vessel’s success in terms of accommodation and access, Stephen also believes that the ability of the vessel owner to deliver a range of services is vital. The combination of Bibby Line Group’s heritage and the many services it can offer, coupled with the design and build capabilities of Damen, results in an innovative vessel in offshore wind.

Stephen is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer (Leeds) with a Master of Business Administration (Henley). He has also published many thought leadership articles on Offshore Wind Asset management.