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.

Afloat has noted that the Dublin Port Company is currently recruiting for roles at sea and those ashore as part of efforts to achieve the port's Masterplan: 2012-2040, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The objectives of such job roles, requires skilled, dedicated and motivated staff and DPC invites applications for Tug Master and Marine Operatives.

For further information visit the port's website careers page by clicking this link for full job specifications.

Closing date for applications is Friday 21st August 2020. For much more details consult the links given throughout. 

Afloat adds the port operates its own pair of custom-built tugs, the Irish flagged Beaufort and Shackleton introduced just over a decade go in early 2010 as part of a port related work-boat upgrade of its fleet. A Spanish shipyard built the pair and costing €6m apiece. 

The Voith Schneider propelled tugs each have a 53t bollard pull capacity and formed Phase 2 of an upgrade programme to modernise by replacing ageing tonnage. The then new tugs along with other port work related craft were introduced a decade ago in an overall €16m investment by the port company.

More on the tug newbuilds were featured in Ships Monthly, June 2010 issue as part of the publication's 'Waterfront' column. 

In addition Beaufort featured in 'Maritime' Dalkey series of the Dalkey Community Council Newsletter (Feb) 2016, see: p.13.