What do you do at NASH Maritime?
As a graduate consultant, I help to undertake Navigation Risk Assessments and draft shipping and navigation chapters for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
A principal part of my role is using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyse large vessel traffic datasets to understand how an area of sea is used.
What drew you to working in this area?
For my dissertation, I looked at the interactions between krill fishing and where whales feed in the Antarctic. To examine where the overlap and food competition was, I analysed data from AIS vessel tracks and GPS tags.
I loved working with data in this way, being able to visualise and understand what is happening where.
When I left university, I wanted to work in consultancy, as I believe this is where science can have the widest influence on sustainable development.
Joining NASH Maritime has given me the opportunity to continue to work with vessel traffic data to help clients and stakeholders understand how the marine space can be used safely and sustainably.
What kind of studies are you currently involved in?
I’m currently undertaking a number of projects for development of offshore windfarms in UK waters and also for port operators overseas.
I’m also preparing documents and reports for a consultation concerning a sea trial for a semi-autonomous hydrogen powered vessel.
What’s your favourite thing about the work you do?
I, naturally, love getting stuck into a massive dataset, doing deep analysis and distilling it into graphs, charts and other visual representations so we can clearly understand what is going on and bring this together with feedback from the large range of stakeholders involved.
As I’m relatively new to this field, I also enjoy meeting and learning from the different parties in the sector. It’s interesting to hear different perspectives and understand what different stakeholders care about.
How does the work you do support NASH Maritime’s vision of a safe and sustainable marine environment?
We are working with many large datasets here at NASH Maritime and combine multiple analytical methods to form our assessments.
The outcome of this in-depth analysis and, crucially, its presentation, play a key role in engaging with others to reduce risk and create a safe, sustainable marine environment.
What do you like best about working here?
I like the balance here. There is a culture of trust and flexibility, your needs are accommodated, and you’re encouraged to speak up. It brings out the best in people.
I also like working for a company that is solution-focused and at the cutting edge of things.
I’ve seen it embrace AI, champion autonomous vessels and identify how floating wind developers can ensure navigational safety.
What phrase or word sums up NASH Maritime for you?
A driven and future-orientated place.