North Star has employed Dr. Tamara Topić to lead environmental initiatives
NORTH Star has employed Dr. Tamara Topić, a sustainable shipping specialist, to head the implementation of its environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) strategy, further demonstrating its dedication to sustainable business practices aligned with global net zero objectives.
Dr. Topić brings a wealth of experience and expertise in maritime sustainability, environmental impact assessment, and corporate governance. With a PhD in sustainable shipping from Newcastle University’s Marine, Offshore, and Subsea Technology department and an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture from the University of Zagreb, she joins the United Kingdom’s foremost infrastructure support vessel operator from MSC Cruise Management, where she held the position of Associate Manager in the Technical R&D for newbuilds and engine research and development department.
In her new role as North Star’s inaugural Sustainability Manager, Dr. Topić, who is also a member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects, will oversee a range of pivotal initiatives aimed at advancing the company’s sustainability agenda. This includes supervising the development and execution of policies and procedures related to ESG, with a sharp focus on industry best practices and standards. She will also offer invaluable technical insights on sustainability risks applicable to both onshore and offshore assets to drive investments in digitalization and enhance processes.
Dr Topić, who will report directly to North Star’s chief technology officer, James Bradford said: “I am honoured to join North Star at this pivotal time and very excited to be driving the transformation of the business and deliver meaningful change across its extensive fleet and operations in the UK and Europe.”
“It is North Star’s dedication to fostering a culture of sustainability and optimising its fleet performance which attracted me to the role. I’m really looking forward to working closely with the teams in Aberdeen, Lowestoft, Newcastle and Hamburg as well as our supply chain, contributing to the company’s environmental and social responsibility objectives.”
Established more than 135 years ago and employing 1,300 crew members and 130 onshore staff, North Star operates 42 emergency response and rescue ships that provide essential, continuous support to over 50 offshore installations in UK waters. In recent months, the company has received the first two of its six initial newbuild Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) for the offshore wind market, as part of its goal to add 40 hybrid-electric SOVs to its fleet by 2040.
North Star’s CEO, Matthew Gordon, stated, “We are delighted to welcome Tamara to this new role and lead the way across our business. Her extensive experience and commitment to sustainability align perfectly with our vision for a greener and more responsible future. With Tamara on board, we are confident that North Star will continue to set the industry standard in sustainability and environmental stewardship.”
In her previous role, Dr. Topić’s primary responsibilities involved exploring, examining, and recommending emerging technologies for zero-emission propulsion for new vessels and retrofits, as well as assessing new fuels and the feasibility of technical solutions.
Before this, Dr. Topić held various academic research positions. She served as a Research Fellow at Southampton University’s Marine & Maritime Institute, focusing on CO2 shipping and future ports, where she delivered two vessel decarbonisation R&D projects. She also worked as a Research Assistant to the Director of the Centre for Energy and the UK National Centre for Energy System Integration at Newcastle University, specializing in hydrogen and offshore wind, and supporting UK Government requests for evidence-based research. Additionally, she was a PhD researcher in sustainable shipping at Newcastle University’s School of Engineering, where she analyzed ship energy efficiency and optimization to assess emissions and understand the effectiveness of existing technical and managerial measures, as well as policy.
As a native Croatian speaker fluent in English and German, Dr. Topić also served as a lecturer at the Marine School of Higher Education at South Tyneside College in South Shields. She contributed to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) by helping develop curriculum for Naval Architecture and Ship Construction courses, aiming to support the next generation of marine engineers and deck officers entering the sector. Dr. Topić remains dedicated to advancing new learning programs, aiding in the education and preparation of future talent to safely apply new technologies and alternative marine fuels to support the decarbonisation of SOVs and the shipping industry.
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