WHO WE ARE

Alexander Upcraft (Shipbroker / Managing Director)

Born and raised in and around London, of shipbroking stock, Alexander Upcraft is a graduate of French & German from University College London, and holds a diploma in Mandarin from Tsinghua University in Beijing.  In 2010, he joined Socomet Sales in Paris, where he was tasked with augmenting the order book.  With initial fixtures in West Africa, he continued to forge relations with new operators, as well as tending to existing clients and their projects.

He has an in-depth knowledge of local markets around the African continent, with a track record of chartering all manner of vessels to a plethora of clients – PSVs, AHTS, Cargo Barges, Multicats, Crewboats, Construction & Dive Support Vessels and Accommodation Units.  

He created Aurum in 2022 with a view to laying a new foundation in the shipbroking domain, building upon existing relationships and improving others.

Ross Mowbray (Operations)

Having trained as a hydrographic surveyor and cut his teeth initially with UTEC, Ross veered away from the marine sector only to be tempted back to the fray after a chance meeting with a mutual contact.

He joined Aurum Shipbroking on 9th July, 2025, coinciding with the company's third anniversary.  He supports the ongoing operations, tendering and administration activities within the company and carries out the essential task of gathering information and positions for the weekly publication of The Prospector.

Michael Blease-Shepley (Non-Executive Director)

A senior maritime and offshore energy executive, Michael has over 20 years of leadership experience in the shipbuilding, offshore oil and gas and marine services spheres.  

Having forged a strong relationship with Alexander for over a decade, he joined Aurum Shipbroking as a Non-Executive Director on 1st October, 2025, to help drive strategic and commercial growth and to bring to the fore his myriad skills gathered from multiple roles as a Non-Executive Director and Board-level Director for various companies.  

As a significant portion of his career has been spent working with and in Africa, his experience there will be put to good use as Aurum continues its onward journey.