COWES Harbour Commission (CHC) has announced the appointment of a new harbour master, welcoming him to the role next year.

Captain Shane Wood, from Cowes, will join the CHC team in February and take on the duties and areas responsible, currently managed by Cowes harbour master Ed Walker.

As a master mariner with over 30 years of experience with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and experience piloting, ship handling and dredging during the past seven years, Cpt Wood has a strong understanding of the role.

As harbour master, Cpt Wood’s key focus will be managing a safe harbour, but he will also work alongside the CHC board and senior leadership team to help deliver a five-year strategic plan.

Gary Hall, chief executive of CHC, said: “I hope you will join me, the commissioners and the harbour team in offering Cpt Wood a warm welcome to the harbour on his arrival in post in the spring of 2023.

“I am looking forward to working with him and developing on the solid foundations that Ed Walker has put in place during his time at CHC, as well as the implementation of our new strategic plan for the harbour.