By Isle of Wight Observer
Captain Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel Ferries was one of 20 mariners to be awarded a 2019 Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service. The award recognises the exemplary services and devotion to duty that have set an outstanding example to others and contributed to the maritime industry.
The ceremony was held at Trinity House and distinguished guests included HRH The Princess Royal and Nusrat Ghani, Maritime Minister. Fran Collins started her career as a dual cadet, she sailed on deep sea oil and gas tankers and cable layers before becoming the first female captain of Condor Ferries in 2008.
After receiving the award, which was presented by HRH The Princess Royal, Fran said: “Receiving the Merchant Navy Medal is an incredible honour and one of the proudest moments of my career. I have been inspired by the achievements of previous recipients, so to now be part of this group is somewhat surreal and a huge privilege. I am very proud of the UK’s maritime industry and am deeply committed to encouraging our young people, especially women, to consider it as a career.
“Those of us in shipping have a responsibility to improve perceptions of it as it is a rewarding, dynamic and exciting career choice, especially given the range of options across many aspects of shipping and its supporting industries, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and support offered to me throughout my career in the Merchant Navy.”
