Meet the Team: Captain Chris Williams

We are pleased to introduce Captain Chris Williams, a highly experienced Master Mariner specialising in container shipping to our Liverpool office.  With an impressive maritime career spanning over two decades, Chris brings a wealth of expertise and practical knowledge to Brookes Bell, delivering exceptional support and consultancy services to our clients worldwide.

Captain Williams’ maritime journey began with his training and subsequent progression through the ranks to become a Master Mariner.  With more than two decades working for Danish shipowner A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S, including command experience on Ultra Large Container Ships of up to 400 metres in length, he has accumulated extensive experience on container vessels, a sector that has been central to his career.

“Container ships have always been my focus from the very start,” Chris explains. “I began my career with a major shipping line and stayed with them as they grew and adapted to industry changes.  I enjoyed the fast pace of container shipping and the constant evolution of the sector, which always kept things interesting.”

Throughout his career, Chris has gained extensive expertise in container stowage, planning, and securing.  He has worked across a diverse range of global trade routes, and his vessels were all approved for the carriage of IMDG cargo, equipping him with a strong understanding of the safe carriage, and monitoring, of hazardous containerised cargo.

His career also included overseeing newbuilds in South Korea and managing dry dockings, which gave him valuable insights into vessel construction and maintenance.  “Standing by newbuilds was a fantastic experience,” he recalls.  “Being present as the ships were being constructed and seeing them come to life gave me a deep appreciation for the technical aspects of vessel construction.”

Most recently, he was responsible for a major 20-year dry docking and retrofitting upgrade of a vessel, preparing it for Class Surveys and Audits, as well as handling a vessel name change.  His experience in ship management extends to ISM, ISPS, and MLC compliance, as well as conducting internal audits and investigations into onboard incidents and injuries.

Chris’s time at sea was reinforced by a number of maritime qualifications that established him as an expert in container shipping.  He holds a Master Unlimited Certificate of Competency II/2 (United Kingdom), along with Certificates of Equivalent Competency for Singapore and Hong Kong.  His academic background includes an HND in Nautical Science, as well as additional qualifications in SQA Navigation, Stability & Structure, and NVQ III Marine Vessel Operations.  He is also certified in GMDSS GOC (United Kingdom), reflecting his expertise in global maritime communications.  He is an active member of the maritime community and is a Liveryman of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, as well as an Associate Fellow of The Nautical Institute.

After many successful years at sea, Chris made the decision to transition into maritime consultancy.  “I always knew I wanted to move into consultancy eventually,” he says.  “But I wanted to wait until I had enough experience to really bring value to the role.  It was important to me that I had a complete understanding of life at sea before stepping into this field.”

Joining Brookes Bell was a natural progression.  “I had known of Brookes Bell for many years through colleagues and professional circles,” he explains.  “It has always had a strong reputation as a leader in the industry.  When the opportunity arose, the timing felt perfect—it aligned with my readiness to move ashore and pursue a new challenge.”

After starting with Brookes Bell in September last year, Chris quickly became a key member of our growing container ship team.  His role involves a wide range of responsibilities, including casualty investigations, cargo damage assessments, vessel inspections, and expert witness work.  “One of the things I love about this job is the variety,” he says.  “Every day is different.  One moment I might be working on a collision investigation in Dubai, and the next, I’m analysing cargo stowage plans or reviewing documentation for a legal case.”

In addition to his consultancy work, Chris is actively engaged in the maritime community, staying abreast of industry trends and developments.  “It’s important to keep up with advancements in technology and changes in regulations,” he notes.  “Brookes Bell is at the forefront of these changes, and being part of such a forward-thinking organisation is incredibly rewarding.”

Chris is particularly passionate about contributing his expertise to cases involving container losses and operational incidents.  “What many people don’t realise is just how complex container operations are,” he says.  “From weather routing to cargo stability, every detail matters.  It’s not just about getting cargo from A to B—it’s about doing so safely, efficiently, and within a framework of strict regulations.”

Chris’s journey from the bridge to consultancy has been shaped by his commitment to excellence and his passion for the maritime industry.  At Brookes Bell, his expertise in container shipping is critical in delivering tailored, high-quality consultancy services to clients across the sector.  “Joining Brookes Bell has been an incredible experience,” he says.  “The collaborative environment here, combined with the opportunity to work on such a wide range of cases, makes every day exciting.  I’m proud to be part of a team that is setting the standard in maritime consultancy.”

Whether he is investigating an incident, advising on cargo damage, or providing expert witness testimony, Chris exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated maritime professional: knowledge, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to safety and operational success.

We are proud to have Captain Williams as part of our team and look forward to the continued impact he will make within the maritime sector.