Peel Ports Group has appointed Captain Susan Cloggie-Holden as its new Group Harbour Master following the retirement of Gary Doyle, a respected maritime leader.
Capt Susan Cloggie-Holden, 42, originally from Drumchapel, Glasgow, joins the UK’s second-largest port operator after a distinguished career with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), where she became the organisation’s first female commanding officer in its 120-year history in 2021. She now becomes the first female to perform the Group Harbour Master role at Peel Ports Group, overseeing marine operations across the network, which includes the Port of Liverpool, Clydeport, and London Medway.
In her new role, Capt Cloggie-Holden will lead teams across seven harbour authorities, managing operational and navigational matters such as vessel traffic management, pilotage, harbour services, and safety and security.
She replaces Gary Doyle, 63, who is stepping down after nearly a decade at Peel Ports and a career spanning over 40 years in maritime leadership. Doyle joined Peel Ports Group in 2017 after senior roles in the Royal Navy, including Naval Regional Commander for the North of England and Isle of Man, and representing UK interests at NATO’s Allied Command Transformation in the USA.
“It’s an incredible honour to take on the role of Group Harbour Master at Peel Ports Group. I’m looking forward to working alongside the dedicated marine teams across the business and building on the strong foundations Gary has laid. Gary’s contribution to the company and the wider maritime industry is immense, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to continue that legacy,” said Capt Cloggie-Holden.
