New Scottish crew for Norfolkline

Rosyth, April 7^th 2009

As part of its business plan to reinstate the Rosyth – Zeebrugge ferry route this May, Norfolkline has appointed a Scottish-based team to oversee all aspects of the new business. Don Clarke, passenger services manager, Craig Easton, freight services supervisor and Grant Russell, operations supervisor, are all in post and based at the Port of Rosyth.

Don Clarke brings a wealth of experience of both business development and ferry passenger services gained over 12 years with Seacat and Isle Of Man Steam Packet on various routes from Irelandto Scotland, England and the Isle Of Man and more recently with Norse Merchant and Norfolkline on the Irish Sea route from Liverpool to Ireland. 

In his new role, Don will be responsible for developing the passenger side of the Rosyth – Zeebrugge route, working closely with his colleagues in Belgium to deliver the best possible service for leisure and business travellers.

The freight side of the new route is vital to the Scottish economy and Craig Easton brings a level of understanding and expertise gained both as a customer with freight forwarders such as Wm Martin & Co and John G Russell (Transport) Limited; and on the supplier side working with a Chinese shipping line. 

Craig’s role as International Manager with John G Russell encompassed general freight as well as container shipping which gave him first-hand experience of the route prior to the service ending last year. 

Having previously worked with Norfolkline on its Irish Sea routes, Grant Russell joins the Scotland team as operations supervisor.

Grant rejoins the company from the Belfast Harbour Commissions, for which he was running the operations of a steel dispatch yard on behalf of Corus. Prior to his roles within commercial operations, Grant spent time in the Merchant Navy and has developed an impressive and diverse professional career immersed in the industry. Managing various shipping operations over the last eight years, Grant brings a range of skills and practical experience to the team that will help shape this brand new service and ensure its success.

Commenting on the appointments, Norfolkline route director Bas van Helden said: 

“In relaunching this new continental link for Scotland, our aim is to put in place an infrastructure that will ensure the route’s viability for the future. Don, Craig and Grant are all extremely experienced operators with a sound understanding of the requirements of every aspect of the business and it is my pleasure to welcome them ‘on board’ the Norfolkline team.”

The new route will launch in May 2009 and is already attracting significant interest from both freight and leisure customers.