INTERCARGO - Experts & Thought Leaders

INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, has announced significant changes to its leadership following its Annual General Meeting. The new appointments will take effect from 1 January 2025. In recognition of their distinguished service, Mr. Dimitrios Fafalios has been appointed Honourary Chairman following six years as Chairman. Mr Fafalios, President of Fafalios Shipping S.A., has led INTERCARGO through significant developments in the shipping sector since 2019, having previously chaired its Technical Committee for a decade. INTERCARGO's new Chairman Mr. Spyros Tarasis will also be stepping down at the end of 2024 following his six-year term as Vice-Chairman. His substantial contributions to the Association's work throughout his tenure were highly praised. Mr. John A. Xylas, President and CEO of Ariston Navigation Corp., has been elected as INTERCARGO's new Chairman. With over 38 years of experience in the shipping sector, Mr. Xylas brings extensive expertise in dry bulk shipping operations and a strong track record of leadership, including his current role on the board of the Union of Greek Shipowners. INTERCARGO's Vice-Chair Mrs. Metaxia Psalti, CEO of Neda Maritime Agency was elected as INTERCARGO's Vice-Chair In a historic development, Mrs. Metaxia Psalti, Chief Operating Officer of Neda Maritime Agency Co. Ltd., was elected as INTERCARGO's Vice-Chair, marking the first time a woman has held this prestigious position.  Mrs. Psalti, who holds a Master's degree in Maritime Law from City University, London, brings over three decades of maritime experience and expertise, specialising in the commercial operations of a diversified fleet. Among her many contributions, she has been pioneering the Association's Quality Panel as its Chair. Safety and operational excellence Capt. Uttam Kumar Jaiswal of Pacific Basin Shipping (HK) Ltd has been re-elected as Vice-Chairman, continuing his valued contribution to the Association. Capt. Jaiswal's particular focus on safety and operational excellence has been recognised through multiple awards in the shipping sector. The Technical Committee will be led by Mr. Dimitris Monioudis Managing Director of Rethymnis & Kulukundis Ltd as Chairman, supported by Mr. Cesare d'Api Technical Director of D'Amico Societa Di Navigazione S.p.A as Vice-Chairman. INTERCARGO's role Mr. Keenan has been appointed an honorary member of the Technical Committee Both bring extensive technical expertise and shipping experience to their roles. This follows the current Technical Committee Chairman, Tom Keenan, also stepping down at the end of 2024, having served the maximum term of six years. Mr. Keenan has been appointed an honorary member of the Technical Committee, effective 1 January 2025. Mr. John Xylas, incoming Chairman of INTERCARGO, commented: "It is a privilege to take on this role, and I want to express my gratitude to Dimitrios Fafalios for his outstanding leadership over the past six years. As our sector navigates significant changes, from decarbonisation to digitalisation, INTERCARGO's role in representing quality dry bulk shipowners has never been more important." Levels of international shipping Xylas added: "Together with our new leadership team, we will continue to promote safe, efficient, and environmentally sound bulk carrier operations while ensuring our members' voices are heard at the highest levels of international shipping." INTERCARGO represents the interests of quality dry bulk shipowners, with approximately one-third of the global ocean-going bulk carrier fleet registered with the organisation. The Association plays a key role in representing its members at international fora, including the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

KR held the 19th KR European Committee (KREC) meeting in London, UK, on July 1st. The KREC, established in 2004, includes members from major international maritime organisations and key European KR customers as follows: Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) International marine insurance companies like AXA XL European shipowners and ship managers such as Bernard Schulte, Songa Ship Management, J.P. Morgan, and Unity Ship Management KR's technological developments KR raised its technology and R&D achievements told to decarbonisation KR holds the European Committee annually to discuss major industry issues with members and to inform European maritime industry pioneers about KR's technological developments and business activities. At the 19th KR committee meeting, KR introduced its technology and research and development achievements related to decarbonisation, digitalisation as well as the relevant issues in the international maritime industry, in particular EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime regulations being implemented by the EU Authorities to promote decarbonisation in the maritime industry. The meeting also delved into several cutting-edge initiatives, including Norway's ambitious carbon capture project 'The Northern Lights' and the latest publications and programs from OCIMF, with a focus on SIRE 2.0. KR presented its ongoing research and development efforts in decarbonisation, fostering an environment where participants could share experiences and collaboratively explore solutions to the complex challenges facing the international maritime industry. Decarbonisation regulations from the IMO Lee Hyungchul, Chairman & CEO of KR, said, "At a time when the maritime industry is facing strengthened decarbonisation regulations from the IMO, EU, and various governments, this Committee meeting served as a very useful forum to gain experience and insights on technology development and international regulatory trends related to decarbonisation and digitalisation amongst the key figures from the international maritime industry." "KR will thoroughly review and analyse the matters discussed at this Committee to improve KR's services and advance the technology development in the future." 

The shipping community is appalled and deeply saddened with the tragic news that, yet another seafarer seems certain to have been killed in a drone boat strike on Wednesday 12 June while on board the MV Tutor in the Red Sea. They utterly condemn these assaults which directly contravene the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation. Thoughts and condolences go to the family and loved ones of the seafarer who tragically lost their life. It is deplorable that innocent seafarers are being attacked while simply performing their jobs, vital jobs that keep the world warm, fed, and clothed. Crosshairs of geopolitical conflicts This is the second fatal attack in which the seafarers have been caught in the crosshairs of geopolitical conflicts. Three seafarers tragically lost their lives when the True Confidence was attacked earlier this year. And they must not forget the crew members from the Galaxy Leader and MSC Aries who are still being held captive. Furthermore, they strongly condemn the attack on the cargo ship Verbena on Thursday 13 June which left a seafarer severely injured by anti-ship cruise missiles. Immense contribution Urgently seek action to stop the unlawful attacks on these vital workers and this vital industry This is an unacceptable situation, and these attacks must stop now. They call for States with influence in the region to safeguard the innocent seafarers and for the swift de-escalation of the situation in the Red Sea. They have heard the condemnation and appreciate the words of support, but they urgently seek action to stop the unlawful attacks on these vital workers and this vital industry. They hope that on this year’s Day of The Seafarer on Tuesday 25 June, the world takes a moment to recognise the immense contribution that seafarers make to the global economy and the unjust circumstances they are facing in the Red Sea and across the world. Full list of co-signatories Please kindly see below the full list of co-signatories to this statement. Yuichi Sonoda, Secretary General - Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) David Loosley, Secretary General & CEO - BIMCO Donald Brown, Senior Vice President, Maritime Policy - Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General - European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA) Mark O’Neil, President - INTERMANAGER Kostas G. Gkonis, Secretary General - International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) Patrick Verhoeven, Managing Director - International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) Guy Platten, Secretary General - International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Jim Scorer, Secretary General - International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA) Francesco Gargiulo, Chief Executive Officer - International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC) Captain Simon Pelletier, President - International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) Manish Jain, Chairman - International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA) Javier Dulce, President - The Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA) John Butler, President & CEO - World Shipping Council (WSC).