Port Profiles: Malcolm Farr

Keeping the port running

No two days are the same for Malcolm. As Maintenance Engineer Supervisor, Malcolm is responsible for the routine servicing of all plant and equipment across Port of Aberdeen, ensuring everything is operational 24/7. His remit covers pilot boats, survey vessels, cranes, ferry ramps and more, and he works closely with the port’s Dock Control Officers (DCOs), Marine and Operations Departments.

Malcolm’s day-to-day work includes ordering parts, liaising with management, allocating tasks to the Maintenance Engineers, and ensuring servicing records and documentation are kept up to date and are stored digitally. Balancing planned maintenance, project work and unexpected breakdowns requires careful prioritisation and flexibility to keep operations running smoothly.

If given the opportunity, Malcolm would swap roles with a member of the port’s Vessel Traffic Services team for a day, purely because he knows so little about what they do.

A career anchored in maritime life

Malcolm’s maritime career began somewhat unexpectedly. Having trained as a CNC Turner within the oil & gas industry, this is where his career began and where he thought his career would be. However, a redundancy prompted a career change and in the 1990’s he joined P&O Scottish Ferries, where he worked for eight years. This is where the marine sector became his life and his interest in port operations began – an environment he still enjoys to this day.

Since joining Port of Aberdeen, Malcolm has played a key role in ensuring essential equipment is maintained to the highest standards. Over the years, he has developed his ability to communicate effectively with suppliers, strengthened his leadership capabilities, and adapted alongside the port’s evolving operations.

Among his many achievements is the completion and commissioning of the South Harbour pump room for Marine Scotland, a project that demonstrated both his technical expertise and leadership skills. Malcolm also feels a sense of accomplishment in completing tasks on time and says that teamwork makes it possible and keeps him motivated.

For those considering a career in the ports or maritime sector, his advice is simple, just go for it! It is an interesting and varied career path with many opportunities.

Life beyond the port

When Malcolm isn’t at the port, he dedicates much of his time to his seven grandchildren and his role as a Cub Scout Leader, a position he has held for 14 years. He is also an enthusiastic Lego builder and model maker – hobbies that perhaps reflect the same patience and attention to detail he applies to his work at the port.

With a passion for the maritime environment and a deep understanding of the teamwork required to keep the port moving, Malcolm continues to contribute to Port of Aberdeen’s success both on and off the quayside.