Ian Cruickshank
Ian Cruickshank leads HR Wallingford’s global maritime and ships work, delivering technically robust, risk‑aware solutions for ports, coastal infrastructure and complex marine systems.
Biography
Ian is Director of Maritime and Ships at HR Wallingford, responsible for the strategic direction, performance and global delivery of maritime engineering services, including operations in the US and Australia. A Chartered Civil Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Ian brings more than 35 years of international experience in maritime and coastal engineering.
His expertise spans master planning, feasibility studies, preliminary and detailed design, FEED and EPC, integrating advanced modelling, simulation and risk management into robust, value driven solutions. Ian has led major projects involving ports and harbours, LNG terminals, nuclear facilities, breakwaters, industrial intakes and outfalls, and waterfront developments.
Ian’s research has contributed to applying risk management techniques to coastal and maritime projects, including published guidance on risk and health and safety in maritime engineering. He chaired PIANC Working Group 185, developing guidelines for greenfield port master planning, and continues to support the sector through the PIANC UK Committee.
Across more than 50 major projects, Ian has built a strong track record in delivering optimised solutions that balance engineering, planning and environmental requirements. He is deeply committed to developing people and has mentored engineers from graduate to chartered status throughout his career.
In his current role, Ian oversees project delivery, client satisfaction and commercial performance across the Maritime and Ships division, driving growth, operational excellence and technical innovation.
Get to know Ian
How does your division deliver impact?
We bring together a comprehensive range of maritime and ship related services, grounded in deep expertise in port planning, layout design, risk assessment, navigation simulation and mooring studies. We work collaboratively, drawing on internal engineering and environmental modelling capabilities and working closely with external partners.
Our approach blends proven industry methods with bespoke, one off solutions tailored to the specific challenges of each project. What sets us apart is our ability to identify the critical issues within complex maritime systems and develop targeted, technically robust solutions that give clients confidence in their decisions.
One of the key things we do is ask ‘is there another way?’ We don’t just come up with the conventional answer.
What excites you most about your work?
We work on complex problems that many organisations find difficult to solve, which makes every day different. Whether it’s a small assignment or a multi billion dollar development, talking to clients early allows us to make the greatest impact.
A major part of what excites me is the team itself. We have a highly skilled group of engineers, scientists and specialists who bring a “can do” attitude to everything they do. Their professionalism, collaborative mindset and willingness to share knowledge are central to our success. I’m continually impressed by the tools, techniques and ingenuity they apply to delivering solutions for clients around the world.
What advice do you have for someone considering this career or joining HR Wallingford?
If you want to be challenged, stretched and supported to grow, HR Wallingford is a great place to build a career. You’ll work on technically demanding, globally relevant projects alongside talented engineers and scientists who enjoy solving complex problems and pushing the boundaries of maritime innovation.