Solis Marine Consultants is very pleased to announce that Alvin Forster has joined our team as the Head of Marine Engineering Services. Alvin brings a wealth of experience and technical expertise in marine engineering, having worked globally.
In his new role, Alvin will deliver expert marine engineering services to clients worldwide, including P&I and H&M insurers, brokers, lawyers, and shipowners. His role involves detailed hull and machinery damage surveys and investigations, preparing expert reports for arbitration and court proceedings, investigating fuel quality issues, and offering comprehensive loss prevention support to marine insurers, shipowners, managers and operators.
Before joining Solis Marine, Alvin was a Loss Prevention Senior Executive at an IG Group Club. Over 13 years, he was responsible for delivering loss prevention services aimed at understanding and preventing incidents that lead to marine liability claims. His responsibilities encompassed loss prevention advice on a wide range of maritime subjects, delivering technical expertise on marine P&I claims, and authoring and editing loss prevention material. He also developed an innovative 'evidence checklist' app, conducted risk analyses, and led advanced safety management initiatives tailored to contemporary safety thinking and human performance. Alvin’s contributions extended to guest lecturing on Marine Insurance and Law at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Alvin also has experience as a Marine Engineer Surveyor at an international marine consultancy. Acting on behalf of H&M Underwriters, P&I Clubs, shipowners, charterers, and cargo interests, Alvin conducted on-site hull and machinery damage surveys, vessel condition assessments, and P&I investigations. His role also included providing loss prevention support to marine insurers, conducting shipyard risk assessment surveys (type JH143), and preparing expert witness reports. This experience equipped him with a robust understanding of marine engineering challenges and the ability to deliver precise and reliable technical assessments.
Alvin began his career at P&O Princess Cruises, where he served as a seagoing marine engineer officer, rising from cadet to First Engineer Officer, supervising multi-national crews. Additionally, he was an assistant technical superintendent for an international tug owner, where he managed the technical operations of a fleet of tugs and workboats in North East England, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and overseeing maintenance and repair activities.
"We are delighted to welcome Alvin to our team," said Nigel Clark, Chairman at Solis Marine. "His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow and develop our marine engineering services. Alvin's addition reflects our commitment to enhancing our technical capabilities and providing top-tier solutions to our clients worldwide."