Meet Kevin Williams, Marine Engineering Director at ABL London
The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?
Give us a glimpse into your day‑to‑day life at ABL and leading the marine engineering services. What keeps you on your toes?
After joining ABL at the end of 2025, I can honestly say no two days have been alike. The last few months have been a whirlwind of learning, meeting people, and getting properly up to speed with the business and everything that comes with the job.
My main focus is supporting our Hull & Machinery (H&M) services, while also helping to promote, grow, and develop this part of the business. The range of casualties we deal with — and the variety of clients we support — definitely keeps things exciting and keeps me on my toes.
What drew you to the industry, and what keeps you passionate about it?
I grew up on the small British island of St Helena, and I’ve never really been far from the sea. Because of that, I’ve always understood just how important the marine industry is — both for the climate and for global trade.
With a harbour master for a father, it was almost inevitable that I’d end up in the maritime world too. That’s really where my journey began, and it eventually led me into a career in the merchant navy.
Can you tell us about something exciting you’re working on right now?
We’re lucky to have a fantastic team of marine surveyors, each bringing a huge amount of experience across all areas of shipping. While H&M is still our core focus, we see a lot of opportunity on the engineering consultancy side too — especially in areas like technical due diligence. Some of the projects we’re currently working on in this space show real potential to grow, and they position ABL as a business partner of choice for our clients.
What does the future of energy and oceans look like right now?
When more than 70% of our planet is covered by water, and the oceans play such a crucial role in regulating our climate and supporting around 90% of global trade, it’s clear that the maritime world has a huge part to play in our future.
At ABL, I feel privileged to be part of an organisation that takes its responsibility seriously — acting as trustees of our oceans, promoting their importance, and doing what we can to protect them for the long term.
Beyond the work, what makes you tick outside of the office?
My family is a huge part of who I am — my two daughters definitely keep me grounded and remind me of what truly matters. Outside of work, I love getting out on the golf course and practising the martial art Choi Kwang Do. But more than anything, I’m driven by learning. Staying curious and constantly improving is what really keeps me going.
More about Kevin
Position: Marine Engineering Director
Office: London
Hobbies: Golf and the martial art Choi Kwang Do
May 2026 Market Briefing – Kevin Williams
Kevin will be presenting ABL’s May Market Briefing on the topic of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a Transitional Fuel for Decarbonising Specialist vessels.
There’s still time to register for in person and online for Wednesday the 6th of May:
