Richard has a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Oxford University. Prior to joining MTD, Richard gained industry experience working across a range of industry sectors, including time spent with an international commodities trader, in the claims and placing departments of broking and underwriting firms in the marine insurance industry and with the inspection and laboratory departments of a major independent inspection company.

Since joining MTD in 2005, Richard has been involved in the investigation of numerous disputes and claims for a wide range of clients involving a variety of cargoes, including petroleum and petrochemical products, edible and non-edible oils/fats, biofuels, speciality chemicals and bulk solid materials, regularly attending worldwide on vessels, in storage terminals, refineries, production plants and testing laboratories.

He has extensive experience in claims investigation and loss control issues for bulk liquid cargoes, with particular focus on sampling and testing, mitigation strategies and the application of forensic analytical methods for the investigation of quality complaints. Richard is also an experienced investigator of bunker fuel quality issues. Richard has acted as an Expert Witness in mediation and has prepared numerous reports for court, arbitration and mediation hearings in the UK and overseas.

Richard sits on a number of industry technical committees, including as the Secretary of the Energy Institute Hydrocarbon Management HMC 3 committee and as a member of the UK P&I Club’s Carefully to Carry Committee.

Richard is a frequent speaker at conferences and to clients on a variety of technical matters.