Page 5 - INTERCARGO - Annual Review 2023-2024
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INTERCARGO ANNUAL REVIEW 2023-2024
Message
from the Chairman
As I write my final message as Chairman of both global trade and our environmen-
INTERCARGO, I reflect on a year that has tal footprint. The 15% rise in global piracy
both tested our industry’s resilience and incidents, including developments in the
demonstrated significant progress across Gulf of Guinea and Somali piracy, em-
multiple fronts. phasises the need for enhanced securi-
ty measures.
Safety remains at the heart of everything
we do. Our 2024 Bulk Carrier Casualty Re- Meanwhile, our active involvement in re-
port highlights encouraging trends, with viewing Common Structural Rules and
vessel losses declining even as the fleet participation in the revision of IACS Rec-
continues to grow. However, the devastat- ommendation 34 on Standard Wave Data
ing consequences of cargo liquefaction re- demonstrates our ongoing commitment
mind us that significant challenges remain, to safety through technical excellence.
requiring ongoing vigilance and proactive
measures. Issues such as cargo liquefac- As I conclude my tenure as Chairman, I am
tion and enclosed space entry continue to particularly proud of how INTERCARGO
contribute to casualties, underscoring the has evolved to meet these multifaceted
Dimitrios J. Fafalios importance of our continued efforts. challenges whilst maintaining its commit-
Chairman ment to quality shipping. The foundations
On the environmental front, our advoca- we have built together - our dedication to
cy for practical decarbonisation solutions safety, environmental responsibility, and
continues, supporting the IMO’s net-zero operational excellence - position our As-
emissions target whilst emphasising the sociation strongly for the future.
need for adequate infrastructure and al-
ternative fuels. The final implementation I extend my sincere gratitude to our mem-
deadline for the Ballast Water Manage- bers, fellow office bearers, and the Sec-
ment Convention’s D-2 standard marks retariat for their unwavering support and
another significant environmental mile- dedication during my chairmanship. It
stone, though it presents operational chal- has been an honour to serve this distin-
lenges particularly for bulk carriers. guished organisation and to work along-
side such committed professionals in ad-
The launch of the Dry Bulk Centre of Ex- vancing the interests of quality dry bulk
cellence and its DryBMS portal in August shipping.
2024 represents a major advancement
in operational excellence. This initiative, I take this opportunity to welcome the
alongside our inaugural ESG Review, Chairman-elect of INTERCARGO, John
demonstrates our industry’s commitment Xylas. John’s extensive knowledge and
to sustainable operations and transpar- experience in the dry bulk industry to-
ent governance. The strong initial uptake gether with his active participation at
by numerous companies reflects the in- HELMEPA and UGS will doubtless as-
dustry’s shared vision for continuous im- sist our Association in moving forward
provement. for the benefit of our global membership.
I hope that you will join me in giving John
Maritime security has emerged as a criti- our wholehearted support from 1st Jan-
cal challenge, particularly in the Red Sea uary 2025.
region where Houthi attacks have forced
significant route alterations, impacting December 2024
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