Meritorious service rewarded with new Merchant Navy medal

Tuesday 6th September 2016

On Friday 2 September, Shipping Minister John Hayes announced the first recipients of a Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service.

This new state award was being awarded to those who are serving or have served in the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets of the UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands for exemplary service and devotion to duty, rewarding those who have set an outstanding example to others.

We here at NorthLink Ferries are pleased to advise that included in the list of recipients for the 2016 award is Captain Stuart McCallum.

Stuart McCallum (47) has spent over 30 years working within the Merchant Navy and maritime industry in various roles across the world. Stuart joined NorthLink Ferries in 2013 as Marine Manager in its Aberdeen terminal. He’s currently responsible for marine safety on all three of NorthLink’s passenger vessels, including ship management and pollution prevention. He also fulfils the roles of Designated Person Ashore (DPA) and Company Security Officer (CSO).

Captain Stuart McCallum, Marine Manager at NorthLink Ferries, said: “I’m extremely honoured to receive such a prestigious national accolade. To be recognised for my long standing commitment to the maritime industry is a proud moment. I feel privileged to have supported this important industry throughout my career and look forward to continuing my maritime service between Scotland’s mainland and the Northern Isles with NorthLink Ferries.”

Stuart Garrett, Managing Director of Serco NorthLink Ferries said of Captain McCallum’s receipt of the Merchant Navy Medal for meritorious service: ‘Stuart is an example to all aspiring seafarers as to what can be achieved through diligent and professional conduct in every aspect of his service to the Merchant Navy. It’s with great pride and delight that his colleagues at NorthLink Ferries celebrate his medal award with him. Stuart is a trusted pair of hands who takes great care in his work and we are lucky to have him on the team. The enthusiasm that Stuart shares for his chosen career with Cadets and new entrants to the industry is commendable, and his encouragement and support has helped many a junior officer and rating achieve their full potential.’

A formal presentation ceremony will be held later in the year in Trinity House, London in late November.