UKHO award for French hydrographer
Gilles Bessero, the outgoing French Hydrographer, is the recipient of the UK Hydrographic Office’s fifth Alexander Dalrymple Award, presented at a recent ceremony at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Singapore attended by the UK National Hydrographer, Rear-Admiral Ian Moncrieff.
A symbol of recognition for outstanding dedication and contribution to world hydrography, the prestigious annual award was presented to Gilles Bessero in appreciation of his years of service as head of the French Hydrographic Office (SHOM) which also included a leading international role in the development of closer cooperation between electronic chart distribution authorities. Other significant world roles included chairmanship of the International Hydrographic Organization’s Strategic Plan Working Group (ISPWG) at its 17th Conference in 2007, which later led to adoption of a practical five year plan.
Last year he was elected inaugural Chairman of the IHO’s newly formed Inter-Regional Coordination Committe (IRCC), a post he continues to hold along with Chairmanship of the body’s South West Pacific Regional Hydrographic Commission. Previous winners of the Alexander Dalrymple Award are Rear-Admiral Steve Ritchie and Capt Mike Barritt of the UK, Horst Hecht of Germany and the present Hydrographer of South Africa, Capt Abri Kampfer.
