About Us

Zander Simpson

Alexander (Zander) Simpson joined Ben Line Steamers in August 1973 as a deck cadet and gained his Second Mates Certificate at Leith Nautical College in 1977.

Following eight years working mainly on general cargo ships with heavy lift capability, container ships and bulk carrier experience, he left Ben Line in June 1981 and joined the relatively new towage company, Shetland Towage Ltd, which provided towage services for the Sullom Voe Oil Terminal in the Shetland Islands.

Initially employed as Mate on board conventional twin screw type tugs, he was promoted to Master in February 1988.  In April 1997, he gained his Masters Unlimited Certificate at South Tyneside College.  Since 1996, he has been Master on board the 55 tonne bollard pull Voith Schneider type tug, Dunter, at Sullom Voe.

Since establishing Shetland Maritime Ltd in 2002, Zander has acted as both marine representative and towmaster on a variety of conventional and specialised tows on conventional, Voith Schneider and ASD type tugs. Zander is currently a member of a specialised towing team employed by Subsea 7 to install pipeline bundles.

He is also a registered RYA examiner for advanced powerboat and yachtmaster certificates, and holds the following certificates: ISM Lead Auditor, Train the Trainer, and NEBOSH.

Zander is an associate member of the International Institute of Marine Surveyors, having gained a Diploma in Marine Surveying in 2001.  He is also a member of the Nautical Institute.