Tim Lowry, Managing Director of Armac Marine Management has been appointed Chairman of Freight by Water. This is the first of a six month rolling Chairmanship which will give each Board member the opportunity to progress the development of the organisation by promoting the distribution of freight by short-sea, coastal and inland waterways within the UK.

On his appointment, Tim commented:

“I am delighted for the opportunity to complement the activities of the existing management team and would like to pay tribute to the successes of my predecessor, Mike Garratt, as acting Chairman over the past fifteen months. Through Mike's outstanding stewardship the organisation has focused on the provision of general support and promotional services to its members. Mike has taken us through a restructuring including a rebranding and a refinancing. These efforts have secured the longterm future of Freight by Water and the continued endorsement of the UK Government as being the recognised UK Shortsea Promotion Centre. The Directors are looking forward to continuing this legacy and I look forward to using my practical experience in the shipping industry over the past 35 years to help others understand some of the challenges and opportunities ahead, including our mission to reduce road congestion and consequently carbon emissions through greater use of water."

Executive Director Francis Power added:

"We have been working hard to find the best way to incorporate members’ expertise into the day-to-day running of the organisation. A rolling chairmanship has worked very well in similar organisations; it is democratic and spreads the responsibility between members and elected Directors. It will also give the staff a closer working relationship with our members and the industry we serve and we look forward to working closely with Tim whose proven management skills will help our cause. We are also pleased that Mike will remain a Board member."

Freight by Water fulfills an important function in promoting modal shift towards a healthier balance between road, water and rail in the UK and in the future will work more closely with the Department for Transport to deliver this objective which is central to both UK and EU freight transport policy and will improve the quality of life for many.