Public works permanent secretary Francis Richardson is to be the new chief executive of the Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority.

The Government said an acting permanent secretary will take over Mr Richardson’s duties until an appointment is made.

Mr Richardson, a former Merchant Navy marine engineer, said: “Having previously worked in the maritime industry for many years, I’m thrilled and excited to be coming back to an area I am passionate about.

“I look forward to joining the team and working collectively to grow the Bermuda shipping registry and fulfil the objectives of the group.”

Mr Richardson has served in a number of high-ranking government roles over 25 years.

He will start his new job in April and will also sit on the new authority’s board of directors.

BSMA chairman Paul Scope said: “Mr Richardson has all the credentials for the position and we’re delighted to have hired a Bermudian after an extensive search, both locally and overseas.

“Succession-planning was one of our top priorities, and we have now fulfilled this important goal.”

The news means a further shake-up for the Civil Service.

Derrick Binns is to step down as Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service as the job is to be split.

Dr Binns will be Head of the Civil Service. A new Secretary to the Cabinet has yet to been named.

A public works spokeswoman said yesterday: “The standard public service recruitment process will apply regarding the appointment of a permanent secretary for the Ministry of Public Works.

“It is expected that once Mr Richardson officially starts his post at the BSMA, an acting permanent secretary will assume the PS duties at the ministry until an official appointment is made.”

BSMA was launched in 2016 as a semi-autonomous unit to replace the government Department of Maritime Administration.

It employs a team of 15 professionals in London and Bermuda.

Mr Richardson has held the posts of Dockyard superintendent, Director of Marine and Ports, and permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport, as well as permanent secretary at public works.

He earlier spent more than eight years travelling the world as a marine engineer in the Merchant Navy.

BSMA’s Captain Pat Nawaratne was acting CEO for the past 15 months since the unit’s launch. He will continue as BSMA’s chief maritime surveyor.

Mr Scope said: “We’d also like to send our appreciation to the Bermuda Business Development Agency, which has worked closely with us during this period of transition to promote Bermuda’s shipping industry and our world-class shipping registry.

“The BDA has been representing Bermuda shipping with industry stakeholders throughout this period, and we look forward to now developing that presence overseas under the BSMA banner.

“Since coming out of government, and forming the authority, we’ve had numerous tasks to address, such as finding appropriate office premises, changing accounting systems, and handling other operational issues as we converted from a government department to a public-private entity.

“With the new leadership in place, we’re looking forward to moving forward and growing Bermuda’s all-important registry, as well as complying with all the regulatory standards and conventions that are required.”