Cornwall's Maritime lead recognised with an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours

Cornwall Council's Maritime Manager, Andy Brigden has been awarded an OBE for his services to the ports and maritime industry in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Formerly the Truro and Penryn Harbour Master, Andy has been Cornwall Council's maritime lead official since it became a unitary authority in 2009. In a career spanning over forty-five years,

Andy first went to sea when he was nearly seventeen. In 1972 to 1986, he went to sea with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Natural Environment Research Council and Townsend Thoresen Car Ferries. During this time he gained his Master Mariners (Class 1) Certificate of Competency.

In 1987 he attained a post graduate diploma in Hydrographic Surveying from Plymouth Polytechnic and in the same year became Deputy Harbour Master for Truro and Penryn with Carrick District Council.

Andy was promoted to Head of Maritime Services and Harbour Master in 1991 and following local government reorganisation in 2009, became Maritime Manager for Cornwall Council.

On receiving the news of his OBE, Andy said: "I am thrilled to receive this award which has been gained by standing on the shoulders of giants throughout my maritime career.

"I have been very fortunate to work with many people who have helped, inspired and guided me throughout this time.

"This award is also thanks to the support of colleagues in the British Ports Association, UK Harbour Masters Association, Department for Transport, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, RNLI and Cornwall Council, where I work with some fantastic people. This award is as much for them as it is for me.

"I am married to Debbie and I have three children, Katie, Tom and Amy who have been tremendously supportive in all that I have done over the years which has been a great help."

Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection Sue James said: "Cornwall's ports and harbours are amongst our greatest assets, yet protecting them is something we don't often pause to think about.

"Andy plays a critical role in ensuring that the ports and harbours along Cornwall's 400 miles of coastline are all safe and well run. His dedication, commitment and knowledge of the maritime sector is second to none. The people of Cornwall can be confident they are in safe hands and this OBE is recognition of that."

Posted 13 June 2018