Recognised as a leader in providing independent vetting expertise in the chemical and oil trade, he grouped together with other marine consultants to concentrate on providing an independent marine inspection service within the oil, chemical and gas industry.
Initial contracts with major oil companies around the North Sea have been retained for more than 10 years and the business has grown to fulfil the ever-increasing needs of the industry for stricter control of their chartered tonnage. Dividing his time between the Company's premises in the UK and France, he believes that Duke Austin and Company is the industry leader providing qualified expertise whilst maintaining strict integrity and quality of service.
After spending almost 20 years at sea, Willie Austin "came ashore" in 1989 to form Duke Austin and Company. Having spent the larger part of his seagoing life on chemical tankers, he was lucky enough to also sail on research vessels, as well as various other types of tanker. His last voyage was as Master of a PROBO vessel sailing around the South China seas.