Allan Ashby has a Master’s Degree in Marine Cargo Damage Investigation from Middlesex University, a Higher National Diploma in Nautical Studies, and a Diploma in Marine Surveying. He also holds a Certificate of Competency Class 2 as First Mate (FG), and served at sea for 8 years up to the rank of Chief Officer before coming ashore as a Marine Surveyor in 1984.
After 3 years as a Petroleum Inspector in the UK, Allan spent 8 years in Saudi Arabia as a Surveyor and latterly as Branch Manager with a global inspection company. He specialised in oil, gas and petrochemical inspections but also acted for P&I interests on dry bulk cargo issues.
He then spent 5 years in South Africa, initially as Branch Manager dealing with agricultural products and minerals, and then as Division Manager of the Petroleum Division. He was instrumental in opening up the first independent wine testing laboratory in South Africa in 1998. He has given expert evidence in the High Court and in Arbitrations in Cape Town.
Since returning to the UK in 2000, Allan has been a partner and MD in a small marine consultancy firm, as well as being a Licenced River Pilot for 5 years. He was also a Consultant and Customer Service Manager with DNV Petroleum Services, and Senior Marine Surveyor with an established London consultancy. He has handled numerous dry bulk cargo, petroleum, and bunker cases and has given expert evidence on several occasions in Arbitration and in the High Court in London.
Allan joined MTD in January 2012 as Manager of the Solid Bulk Cargo Survey Department. Allan works closely with insurers, vessel owners and P&I Clubs on all issues pertaining to bulk cargo problems, including liquefaction/ IMSBC Code issues, as well as working with insurers and P&I Clubs on bunker and oil matters.