Susan Cloggie‑Holden has been named Group Harbour Master at Peel Ports Group, taking over from Gary Doyle as he transitions to retirement. She steps into the senior role overseeing marine operations across the group’s seven harbour authorities, marking a significant milestone both for the company and the maritime sector.
A seasoned master mariner with decades of experience at sea, Captain Cloggie‑Holden brings a distinguished record from her time in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Her appointment was confirmed by Peel Ports upon her taking up duties. The Glasgow-born former armed services mariner has been hailed as “an outstanding choice” by peers within the organisation.
Charting A New Course
Cloggie‑Holden makes history as the first woman to hold the role of Group Harbour Master. Her fleet includes her home berth of Clydeport, complete with its two one-year-old ship-to-shore cranes, named by local school children. Other ports on her roster are Liverpool, London Medway, and four other harbour authorities. Peel Ports describes her appointment as “a landmark moment for gender representation in marine leadership.”
Before joining Peel Ports, Cloggie‑Holden served with distinction in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. In 2021, she became the RFA’s first female commanding officer in its 120‑year history, leading a replenishment tanker on global missions. Alongside war-zone deployments and anti‑piracy operations, she was awarded the Merchant Navy Medal in recognition of her commitment to diversity and maritime safety.
A Life Under Way
In her new capacity, Captain Cloggie‑Holden will manage vital functions across the group’s network, including vessel traffic, pilotage, navigation, marine safety, and harbour security. Peel Ports emphasised her experience and leadership qualities as ideally suited to these responsibilities.
She replaces Gary Doyle, 63, who is stepping down later this month after nearly a decade at the port operator and an impressive career spanning over 40 years at sea and in port leadership. The succession has been described as a smooth handover of the watch. Peel Ports noted his endorsement of Cloggie‑Holden, describing her as “an outstanding choice” to carry forward the company’s marine strategy and operational excellence.
Coming Ashore
She has travelled the world and taken part in military and peacekeeping operations, including the initial Operation Veritas campaign against the Taliban in 2001-02, supporting the post-Saddam Iraqi Navy in 2006-07, conducting counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden at the height of the scourge in 2008-09, and navigating supply ship RFA Fort Rosalie as it provided support to RN vessels involved in operations off Libya in 2011.
“We’re delighted to welcome Susan, whose experience and vision make her ideally placed to lead us into the next chapter,” said David Huck, Chief Operating Officer at Peel Ports Group. “Her appointment marks an exciting milestone for Peel Ports Group and the industry more widely.”
Having devoted her career to life at sea, Cloggie‑Holden said the role represents a new chapter grounded on land. She flagged her willingness to embrace fresh challenges. Captain Cloggie-Holden officially took up her new role earlier this month.