Darren Byers has been appointed Port Manager at Stena Line based in Belfast Harbour.

With over 20 years’ experience within Maritime operations, Darren joins the ferry and port operator from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) where he was Area Life Saving Manager covering Ireland and the Isle of Man. This year is notably significant, as the RNLI is to celebrate its 200th birthday on 4th March.

An experienced operations manager, Darren, from Bangor Co. Down, will manage the safe, efficient and effective operations in the Belfast terminals and support the success of Stena Line in Belfast Harbour.

He will support Duty Managers and lead the teams in the day-to-day functions at the Port.

The ferry operator has three routes serving Belfast Harbour, connecting Cairnryan, Scotland and Birkenhead (Liverpool) in addition the freight-only service to Heysham also in England. 

Ferry operator the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has announced the appointment of a new Customer Services Manager.

With a wealth of experience in the travel industry, Seamus Byrne will officially begin in the role on 1st November.

He has held various senior hospitality and marketing roles and, more recently, was instrumental in the successful plan and launch of a multi-million pounds hotel development on the island.

Commenting on his appointment, ‘I am extremely passionate about delivering great customer service which is why I’m thrilled to be joining the management team of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

‘It is truly an exciting time for the Company and I am looking forward to working with the team to ensure we consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience for our passengers travelling to and from the Island.’

Managing Director Brian Thomson added: ‘I am delighted to welcome Seamus to the Company. He is a highly motivated and experienced individual who will bring a wealth of knowledge to the role and help provide the continued consistent delivery of customer service to our passengers.

‘Seamus’s contribution to the business will be invaluable going forward and we wish him every success in his new position.’

In south Wales, the Port of Milford Haven has appointed a new commercial manager for Pembroke Dock.

The appointment of Sharon Adams as the port's new Commercial Manager will be a key part to develop growing markets and support existing customers.

Sharon joins the port in Pembrokeshire from Chambers Wales where, most recently, she supported businesses with the changes required post-Brexit.

Previous to that Sharon’s career was predominantly in management roles within the hospitality and leisure industries with companies including The Parc by Thistle, St Brides Spa Hotel and Bluestone Resorts.

On joining the port, Sharon commented: “Learning more about the export and import markets really interested me, so when the opportunity to work with the Port came up I knew this was the right opportunity to put my commercial skills to good use. I’m very much looking forward to the challenge and the variety of businesses I’ll be working with.”

Commercial Director at the Port, Steve Edwards, said “Sharon has values that align to our culture and a wealth of commercial experience, and her latest role at Chambers Wales meant that she learnt a great deal about the movement of goods around the globe which puts her in an excellent position to help businesses grow whilst utilising our Pembroke site.”