Dan Cross, Master on the tug Svitzer Trident which operates in the UK, has been awarded the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service.

This is the highest medal of honour within the British maritime sector and is given for significant contributions and exceptional devotion to the industry.

Daniel Cross, in his 30th year with us, has been a Master with Svitzer in Liverpool and Milford Haven (news) since 2007, is awarded for his services to the towage sector and devotion to the preservation of the iconic SS Daniel Adamson, a historic steam ship, which first set sail in 1903.

Dan took on the challenge to preserve history and bought the steam ship for £1 in 2004 when it was just 48 hours away from being scrapped. He built a team of one hundred volunteers to restore it to its former glory and after twelve years of hard work, including successfully securing £3.6m in lottery funding, the SS Daniel Adamson now sails around the (inland waterways) of north-west England. 

Through Dan’s restoration efforts, he has supported young people from all backgrounds and abilities to learn, participate and eventually volunteer as part of the ship’s crew and go on to lead careers in engineering and across the maritime sector.  

The iconic 173tn SS Daniel Adamson previously transported cargo, passengers and even royalty across the northwest and was also armed for battle in the First World War. Historical figures, such as Prince George of Denmark, are known to have boarded the ship.

Commenting on the award, Dan says: “I am deeply honoured to be awarded this wonderful Medal alongside some prestigious recipients over the years. I played a small part in saving and returning the Daniel Adamson back to operational condition for future generations to enjoy and benefit from.”

“As a key part of ensuring goods keep flowing in and out of the ports and harbours in the UK it is great that services to harbour towage is recognised and the work we do can be remembered through vessels like the Daniel Adamson.”

Dan will receive his medal in November at a ceremony at Trinity House, London.