Brookes Bell announces four key promotions

Brookes Bell is delighted to announce the promotion of four team members, reflecting their expertise and dedication to the maritime consultancy industry.

Michael Banning - Senior Marine Engineer, Fuel Specialist

Michael Banning has been promoted to Senior Marine Engineer, Fuel Specialist in Liverpool. Michael joined Brookes Bell in 2015, bringing over 20 years of experience in the marine industry. A Chartered Engineer and Chartered Marine Engineer, Michael’s seagoing career spans both the Royal Navy and Merchant fleets, where he served on a diverse range of vessels, including warships, Very Large Crude Carriers, and Ro-Ro ferries. Renowned for his expertise in marine fuels and fuel analysis, Michael has successfully led several fuel optimisation projects, enhancing performance, reducing environmental impact, and earning recognition across the industry.

Wen Li - Senior Scientist

In Shanghai, Wen Li has been elevated to the position of Senior Scientist. Wen joined Brookes Bell in 2018 and has an impressive academic background, including a BEng in Material Science and Engineering from Tongji University, an MSc and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Manchester. Wen’s expertise is in materials science and corrosion engineering, where she has been instrumental in advancing research on material degradation in marine environments. Her innovative contributions have significantly shaped Brookes Bell’s approach to sustainable material selection and maintenance strategies.

Erik Oberlin - Senior Master Mariner

In our Houston office, Erik Oberlin has been promoted to Senior Master Mariner. Erik joined Brookes Bell in 2017 after a distinguished career that began at the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, where he graduated in 1997. With extensive experience in the offshore industry, including roles as Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) and Master on various offshore vessels, Erik has brought invaluable expertise in navigation, ship management, and maritime safety protocols. His leadership in offshore operations and training programmes has strengthened Brookes Bell’s reputation for operational excellence and compliance with industry standards.

Rushdie Rasheed - Managing Marine Engineer

Rushdie Rasheed, also based in our Liverpool office, is made a Managing Marine Engineer.  Rushdie joined Brookes Bell in 2019 and is a Marine Engineer with a First-Class Certificate of Competency (Motor) and an MSc in Marine Engineering. With extensive seagoing experience on vessels such as container ships and bulk carriers, Rushdie has overseen numerous large-scale engineering projects with exceptional precision. His focus on design, maintenance, and optimisation of marine systems has driven innovation within Brookes Bell’s engineering team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

“These promotions are a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication within Brookes Bell,” said Anthony York, Chief Operating Officer at Brookes Bell. “Michael, Wen, Erik, and Rushdie have consistently demonstrated their expertise and leadership, contributing significantly to our mission of providing unparalleled maritime consultancy services. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of them and look forward to their continued success and the positive impact they will undoubtedly bring to Brookes Bell.”