TOWN QUAY-based FBM Babcock Marine, one of the world's leading designers and builders of high-speed ferries and specialist patrol vessels, has appointed Chris Atwell as marketing manager.

The company is a subsidiary of Babcock International Group. Formerly based at Cowes, FBM's head office moved to Southampton after its takeover by Babcock last year.

It designs and builds high-speed passenger-only and passenger and car ferries which are in operation worldwide, specialist patrol vessels and military craft.

In the UK, FBM designed and built the Red Funnel high-speed ferries operating between Southampton and Cowes.

Chris, previously a senior lecturer in maritime business at the School of Maritime and Coastal Studies, Southamp-ton Institute, said: "This is an exciting time to join FBM. The company has a long pedigree in producing extremely high-quality vessels and has an excellent design and sales team which has many exciting new projects under way.''

John Warbey, managing director, of FBM said: "The company is accelerating its development programme with a number of innovative vessels and Chris's strategic marketing expertise will be invaluable in helping us to develop and deliver these products to our customers.''