Ashley Nicholson from Forth Ports has been appointed Vice-President of the UK Harbour Masters Association. Ashley is the first female harbour master to hold the title and she is also the youngest certificated Harbour Master in the UK to hold the VP role with the UKMHA.

The UK Harbour Masters Association consists of harbour masters from ports across the UK, both publicly and privately owned and represents a unique source of relevant, experience in a range of port and marine operations. The main objective of the association, which was formed in 1993, is to encourage the safe and efficient conduct of marine operations in ports.

Ashley has worked for Forth Ports for nearly 12 years starting her career with the port group as VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) Operator and since 2017 she has been the Senior Harbour Master based in Leith. Ashley is the youngest certified Harbour Master in the UK. In 2016, Ashley won the prestigious Scottish Engineering / Incorporation of Hammermen of Glasgow Award for the role she played in managing the marine operations during the construction of the new Queensferry Crossing in the River Forth.

Commenting on her appointment, Ashley said: “I am honoured to have been voted in as Vice-President of the UKHMA. The association is well respected in the industry with its views being widely sought. I am looking forward to my playing my part at an important time for marine organisations.”

Martin Willis AFNI, Executive Officer of the UKHMA said: “We congratulate Ashley on her advancement to the position of Vice President of The United Kingdom Harbour Masters Association, a position fully achieved on merit and on appointment by her peers within the association. Ashley has proved to be a very capable individual who, for a number of years, has actively contributed to the executive council of the association and represents the association both regionally and nationally across the UK. We wish her all success in her new role.”

9 July 2019