UK offshore infrastructure support vessel operator North Star has appointed James Bradford as chief technology officer (CTO) as the organisation scales up its offshore wind business.
In the newly created role, Bradford will deliver a technological roadmap to drive performance and innovation investments as North Star progresses towards its fleet decarbonisation target of 2040.
He joins from ship management specialist V Group, where he was global head of technical and has also worked at Gulf Marine Services where he was general manager for North West Europe before being promoted to chief operating officer in the United Arab Emirates.
Bradford said: “It’s a very exciting time to be joining the business. North Star is an immensely well-respected, steadfast vessel operator with an enduring reputation in the North Sea.
“Since securing four long-term charters for its new hybrid propulsion service operations vessel design, its prominence has rippled across the offshore wind market, opening up multiple new opportunities for the business and its next fleet.
“Ensuring the business continues to invest in the best innovations to hasten its sustainability goals across its existing ships and implemented into new forthcoming SOV designs, makes it a very exciting time to join as CTO.
“I’m looking forward to helping to shape the future of its fleet and leading its technical digitisation strategy.”
North Star chief executive Matthew Gordon added: “James has an exceptional track record for delivering results across all aspects of new fleet constructions for on time delivery.
“He is also very tuned in to the latest technical developments which will help guide our executive team to identify and leverage new opportunities to maximise future investment and deliver value to our shareholders.”