We are pleased to announce the arrival of Simon Potter as our new director of sustainability advisory. Simon has a strong background in maritime decarbonisation and naval architecture, having held several senior corporate roles in the marine and energy markets.

Simon will help Houlder align its solutions and capabilities to provide clients with holistic sustainability services. These include specialist naval architecture services, including advanced hydrodynamics simulation, to green financing and strategic sustainability consultancy. By integrating these important capabilities, Houlder can guide, support and execute the requirements and aspirations of its client by delivering decarbonisation alongside traditional technical needs.

A naval architect by trade, Simon has hands on experience in engineering roles, including work for shipyards, as well as senior corporate roles. His expertise spans the offshore energy, floating production storage and offloading (FPSO), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and defence industries.

Simon is passionate about advancing floating offshore wind technology and believes it is central to the energy transition and a secure and resilient clean energy future. “Floating wind is key to ensuring governments meet both their emissions and renewable energy capacity targets. Houlder is supporting nascent projects that combine hydrogen production and storage with offshore wind. I am incredibly excited to be part of a company that’s involved in so many pioneering initiatives which span the energy transition.”

Simon also recognises the importance of maritime energy efficiency and renewable propulsion technologies. “These technologies represent low-hanging fruit that shipping must pick to successfully decarbonise. However, the best technologies are not always obvious and there’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution. This is where Houlder’s consultancy is valuable. My job is to grow advisory services, helping us, our clients, peers, friends and family along the road to a sustainable future.”

As an independent company, Houlder remains technology agnostic and starts with the vessel or fleet and their operating profiles rather than the technology being offered. It also advises its clients to focus on a solution that will provide both a strong cash and carbon return on investment, while being cost-efficient. Advisory services are underpinned by its technical capabilities and data.

Rupert Hare, CEO of Houlder, commented: “From green corridors to carbon levies and CII to ESG, marine and energy acronyms and regulations can be hard to navigate. This is why comprehensive consultancy that encapsulates sustainability strategy and financing is key. We’re delighted to welcome Simon who will help us deepen and expand these services. 2050 seems a long way away but planning ahead is key to long term success in the maritime and offshore wind industries.”

To find out more about Houlder’s green financing expertise specifically, please visit: https://www.houlderltd.com/news/houlder-provides-shipowners-with-guide-to-green-finance-at-latest-seatrade-conference