RAdm Angus Essenhigh OBE
Biography
Angus is responsible for developing the partnerships that underpin the role of the UK Hydrographic Office, as a world-leading centre for hydrography and marine geospatial data, from seabed to surface and from the coast to offshore. Angus supports the UKHO Global Partnering and Engagement team in the management of a range of national and international partnerships. These relationships span UK and foreign governments, hydrographic offices, and other data suppliers, and enable the delivery of key hydrographic initiatives, capacity building and training, to support global trade, security and sustainable development of the marine environment.
Before joining the UKHO, Angus served as the Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group embarked in HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH. Prior to this he served in a variety of appointments both at sea and ashore and he has commanded five different types of warship. Angus commanded HMS DARING’s 9-month global circumnavigation, assisting the people of the Philippines, following the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan, for which he was awarded the OBE. Angus has also commanded HMS PROTECTOR, the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol ship, undertaking two seasons of activity in Antarctica. In June 2023 he was promoted to Rear Admiral and commenced his current role as National Hydrographer.
Director of Data Acquisition and Defence
The Director of Data Acquisition and Defence has overall responsibility for the UKHO’s national and international data supply network and our relationship with the Defence customer.
Responsibilities include:
- leading the national and international partnership programme
- delivering the required data and permissions to support our role as hydrographic office and the delivery of UKHO products and services to Defence
- leading the engagement strategy with the wider hydrographic community and UK government
- contributing to overall strategic management
National Hydrographer
The UK National Hydrographer is responsible for:
- Maintaining international relations, engagement, data acquisition, technical standards and capacity building
- Law of the Sea
- Intellectual Property and Legal