LONDON HQ: Captain Malcolm W Parrott, (pictured above) aboard HMS Wellington in central London, has been appointed interim president and chairman of the newly evolved company The Maritime & Aviation Group (International) Limited. He replaces Captain John M Cox, who has retired after nearly 35 years at the helm as president and chairman of The Maritime Group (International) (TMG). The USA office at Bremerton, Washington, where Captain Cox was based, is closing, with the HQ of the Group shifting to London.
International maritime consultancy TMG has ushered in a new era with expansion into the aviation sector and three new directors.
The Maritime Group (International) Limited (TMGE), which is the UK/European arm of The Maritime Group (International), has now become The Maritime & Aviation Group (International) Limited – TMAG for short.
London-based Captain Malcolm W Parrott is acting president and chairman until a replacement appointment is made.
In the UK, TMG meets clients in central London, either at HMS Wellington, moored at Temple Stairs, Victoria Embankment, or at the Institute of Directors in Pall Mall, with office operations in Kent.
Captain Parrott remains in post as current managing director and is joined by Lee R Foster, who is deputy managing director, Captain Michael J Monro, aviation operations director, and Francis ‘Frank’ M O’Neill, marine and technical operations director.
The three new directors have worked with TMG as independent consultants for at least five years or longer.
Captain Parrott said: “The company will continue to centre on ferries and ports, ship management and maritime evaluation studies, adding small airfields, privately owned aircraft and small aviation companies to its portfolio.”
Although Captain Parrott’s background is primarily in maritime, he also has an aviation background.
In the past, he held a commercial pilot’s licence and was a fully qualified air traffic controller in New Zealand.
Captain Monro’s background is military as a pilot in the UK’s Army Air Corp, then progressing to British Airways as captain of large passenger jets and finally into aviation management.
He has been immersed in maritime with TMG for the last four years, setting up a maritime ocean freight service.
Mr Foster has been allied with TMG for some time as managing director of G&W Marine Limited, Naval Architects and Marine Engineers of Birkenhead, UK.
A UK-registered Chartered Engineer and Chartered Marine Engineer, he specialises in new build and shipyard operations.
Mr O’Neill has worked as an independent consultant and was previously the operations and technical manager of The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, having served in the firm’s vessels for many years as chief engineer officer before moving ashore.
Captain Parrott added: “This is a significant and exciting shift in our company, signalling a new era.
“It is further anticipated that the rest of TMG’s international independent companies will follow suit over the next six months, taking on board aviation responsibilities.
“The TMG Group continues to evolve to meet the 21st Century requirements of the maritime industry and now the aviation sector.
“Part of the rationale for the changes follows the decision by Captain Cox, a master mariner, to retire after loyal, selfless service to TMG since joining Stateside in 1990.”
Well known, respected and regarded with great affection within the maritime world, especially in North America, Captain John M Cox has finally decided to hang up his sea boots and retire after nearly 35 years at the helm of The Maritime Group (International) (TMG) as president and chairman.
He still retains the position owner, chairman and chief executive officer of Black Ball Ferry Line, which connects Washington State, USA, with Victoria, BC, Canada.
For more than 200 years, Black Ball Ferry Line and its precursors have provided a consistent, reliable freight and passenger service.
Black Ball Ferry Line is the last privately owned American company offering international passenger and vehicle ferry service.
The TMG Bremerton, WA, USA office is closing, and the HQ of the group will shift to London, UK.
“We are sure everyone will join TMG in wishing Captain (Jack) Cox a well-deserved retirement,” said Captain Parrott.
