North Star, the UK offshore infrastructure support vessel operator, has hired James Bradford as its first Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to bolster the organisation's offshore wind business. As North Star looks to achieve its fleet decarbonisation target by 2040, Bradford's newly created role will include the delivery of a technological roadmap to drive performance and innovation investments.
Bradford brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as global head of technical at ship management specialist V Group and as general manager for North West Europe before being promoted to chief operating officer at Gulf Marine Services in the United Arab Emirates.
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In his new role, Bradford will lead the technical digitisation strategy and ensure that the company continues to invest in the best innovations to expedite its sustainability goals across its existing ships and forthcoming Service Operations Vessel (SOV) designs.
Commenting on his appointment, Bradford said, “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's CEO, Matthew Gordon, expressed his confidence in Bradford, stating, “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 maximize future investment and deliver value to our shareholders.”
North Star has been growing its presence in the offshore wind market, having recently secured four long-term charters for its new hybrid propulsion service operations vessel design. Bradford's appointment signals the company's commitment to continue investing in the latest innovations to achieve its decarbonisation targets and provide value to its stakeholders.
