Chief Executive of Well-Safe Solutions to chair the British Rig Owners Association
The British Rig Owners Association (BROA), part of the UK Chamber of Shipping, is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Milton, Chief Executive Officer of Well-Safe Solutions, as its new Chair. The appointment was approved by the UK Chamber of Shipping Supervisory Board on 22 September 2026.
His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the offshore sector. The industry is navigating the twin challenges of maintaining energy security while accelerating the transition to a lower-carbon future, all against a backdrop of increasing pressure to sustain investment, skills and supply chain capability.
A highly respected industry leader with more than 30 years’ experience across the offshore energy sector, Phil Milton brings extensive expertise in well lifecycle services, decommissioning, project delivery and energy transition activity. As CEO of Well-Safe Solutions, and one of the company founders, he has overseen the company’s growth into a leading specialist contractor and has become a prominent voice on the future of the UK’s offshore energy industry. He also serves on the Board of Offshore Energies UK (OEUK).
BROA represents rig owners and operators active in the UK offshore energy sector and works closely with industry, regulators and government to promote safe, efficient and globally competitive offshore operations.
Phil Milton, incoming Chair of BROA and CEO of Well-Safe Solutions, 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. I would like to thank my predecessor, John Oliver Bryce, and BROA Manager Robert Merrylees for their support with this appointment. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent our community of rig owners.
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.”
Peter Aylott, Director of BROA & Director of Policy at the UK Chamber of Shipping said:
“Phil’s appointment comes at a defining moment for the offshore energy sector. His deep industry knowledge, strategic leadership and commitment to collaboration make him exceptionally well placed to lead BROA.”
“The UK offshore industry faces significant opportunities and challenges in the years ahead. BROA plays a critical role in ensuring that policymakers understand the importance of maintaining a competitive, innovative and resilient offshore operating environment.”
“We look forward to working with Phil to advance those priorities.”
The appointment follows approval by the UK Chamber of Shipping Supervisory Board, where the BROA Chair holds an ex-officio seat, strengthening the representation of the offshore rig sector within the Chamber’s governance structure.
