The British Rig Owners Association (BROA) has announced the appointment of Phil Milton, Chief Executive Officer of Well-Safe Solutions, as its new Chair.

His appointment comes at a pivotal time for offshore operators as the industry is navigating the challenges of maintaining energy security while accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future.

As a highly-respected industry leader, boasting more than 30 years’ experience, Milton brings extensive expertise in well lifecycle services, including decommissioning, project delivery, and energy transition activity. As CEO, he has overseen Well-Safe Solutions’ growth into a leading specialist contractor and has become a prominent voice in the industry.

Milton said, “It is an honour to be appointed Chair of the British Rig Owners Association. I have spent my entire career working on and with rigs, from starting as a machine shop apprentice in the early nineties to building Well-Safe Solutions over the last decade, with our own three rigs now in operation. This is a proud moment for me, and I look forward to supporting our membership through the current challenging climate.

“Our industry has always been subject to high-impact changes and pressures. However, British rigs have now reached a critical point: skills, supply chain and investment are all under severe strain. We need to act decisively to ensure that we continue to have a market here in the UK. Along with the BROA team and the wider UK Chamber of Shipping leadership, I hope to help navigate us towards calmer seas.”

This appointment follows approvals by the UK Chamber of Shipping Supervisory Board, where the BROA Chair holds and official seat, strengthening the representation of offshore rig sector.