James Stride joined the Port of London Authority (PLA) as Chief Harbour Master in 2023 with over 30 years’ experience working in the maritime sector.
He was previously at Carnival Corporation and plc’s maritime team from 2015, where he undertook a number of operational support, maritime governance and leadership roles in both Southampton and Hamburg. This included as Carnival Maritime’s Nautical Director being responsible for the Corporation’s European Fleet Operation Centre supporting over 30 cruise ships deployed globally and, latterly as Carnival UK’s Vice President Maritime Governance / Designated Person Ashore being responsible for Captains’ line management, governance, nautical, operational support and crisis management.
Before joining Carnival, James spent 24 years in the Royal Navy as a Warfare Officer during which he qualified as a Navigator, Hydrographic Surveyor, Meteorologist and a Principal Warfare Officer before taking Command of HMS DUNCAN and taking the Type 45 Destroyer out from build.
He holds a BSc(Hons) in Oceanography and Physical Geography and an MA in Defence Studies from King’s College London.