Inspirational Islanders: Dean Murphy, Wightlink

Earlier this year, we saw Dean managing Wightlink’s Portsmouth Gunwharf Port on Channel 5’s Isle of Wight: Jewel of the South programme. He was on the top deck helping thousands of scooters travel across on a busy bank holiday weekend. Dean is Wightlink’s Head of Port Operations and oversees the safe operation of all customers through our ports.

“The Isle of Wight is such a wonderful location. For me, it’s the laid-back, slow pace of life that keeps me here. I’m so lucky to live and work in one of the most stunning parts of the UK surrounded by natural beauty and the sea. I’m a country boy at heart!

I love working at Wightlink as no day is the same. I’m always learning from my colleagues and customers, experiencing new ideas and coming up with solutions to problems. I’ve worked here for 23 years, starting out as a customer reception officer at our Portsmouth vehicle ferry port. Over that time, I’ve worked in different operations roles at our ports, before my job as Head of Port Operations.

The thing that keeps the job interesting is the variety. When you work in an operational position every day is different: winter to summer, weekend to weekdays, communicating with customers and other departments. I love the adrenaline you get when it’s busy or you’re faced with a problem. It’s also a huge bonus always being near the sea.

My favourite beach – and in fact, one of my favourite places on the whole Island – is Seagrove Bay, it’s absolutely stunning there. There’s a beautiful white sandy beach, you could be anywhere in the world and it’s right on my doorstep. I grew up going to that beach as a child and I feel very fortunate to be able to still enjoy it.

There’s a fantastic walk from Ryde to Quarr Abbey. It’s a serene, relaxing walk through woodland. You start at the beach, go through a forest, to an Abbey to see the resident piglets… and the best bit is the coffee and cake at the end, of course! There are no vehicles to contend with, it’s a very calming walk.

We enjoy lots of the special events that the Island’s attractions have to offer – from the Isle of Wight Steam Railway to Christmas and Halloween events at Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine. For me, it’s all about enjoying things with my wife and children.

I also love the Isle of Wight Festival. Not only do I enjoy the build up to it at work – it’s a really busy time – but I love attending the event myself. My highlight of the festival over the years is Liam Gallagher – it reminded me of my youth, singing to Oasis songs in the 90s!”

🛈 Dean starred in Channel 5’s Isle of Wight: Jewel of the South series.