Ben Wheatley Appointed to British Tugowners Association Technical Committee

Marine Plant Hire Ltd is proud to announce that Ben Wheatley, Marine Superintendent, has been appointed to the Technical Committee of the British Tugowners Association (BTA). Often described as the “engine room” of the Association, the Technical Committee leads on the development of industry guidance, publications and policy work. It also plays a central role in organising the BTA Safety Seminar and responding to key consultations affecting the towage sector.

Ben’s appointment reflects both his personal expertise and the growing reputation of Marine Plant Hire within the UK towage and marine operations community.

“This appointment to the BTA Technical Committee shows that the growth and development of Marine Plant Hire is being recognised within the wider towage sector and that our opinions are valued by peers and colleagues,” said Ben.

“It will also provide an opportunity to engage more effectively with other bodies and stakeholders within the industry. I look forward to getting directly involved in promoting operational excellence, improving safety, setting industry standards and providing technical guidance whilst serving on the Committee.”

Founded in 1934, the British Tugowners Association represents port towage operators ranging from large multinational organisations to privately-owned companies and Port Authorities. Its seventeen tug-operating members collectively run approximately 160 tugs across more than 40 ports — from Plymouth to the Shetland Islands, Felixstowe to Belfast and Gibraltar — employing over 1,000 highly skilled British seafarers.

For Marine Plant Hire, this appointment reinforces our commitment to:

Operational excellence
Continuous safety improvement
Raising technical standards
Contributing positively to industry policy and best practice

We congratulate Ben on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to supporting his contribution to the continued development of the UK towage sector.