The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has elected a new chairman, Esben Poulsson (Singapore), who will succeed Masamichi Marooka (Japan) who has decided to stand down after four years in office.
Being at the helm of this association, Poulsson is to serve as a representative of the global shipping industry, overseeing its liaison with its regulators such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
“I am very honoured to have been elected by the ICS member national shipowner associations. Being Chairman is a big responsibility and my primary task will be to ensure that ICS continues to represent the considered views of the entire industry. This means reflecting and reconciling the opinions of different ship types and trades, different national viewpoints, and the interests of shipping companies big and small,” Esben Poulsson said, speaking after his unanimous election yesterday.
Speaking about the two major challenges ICS needs to focus on this year, Poulsson said that ICS would join forces with IMO on addressing international shipping’s CO2 emissions, including ICS’ proposal that IMO should develop an Intended IMO Determined Contribution for reducing the sector’s carbon dioxide.
“But even more pressing from an industry perspective is making sure we are ready for the almost certain entry in force of the IMO Ballast Water Convention, and engaging with governments, especially the United States, to overcome some remaining but really serious implementation problems,” he added.
Poulsson has served, among others, as president and council member at Singapore Shipping Association, chairman at Cambiaso Risso Asia, vice chairman at International Chamber of Shipping, senior advisor at Straits Tankers and chairman at Enesel.
The new chairman will be supported in his new role by four ICS vice chairmen: John C Lyras (Greece), Karin Orsel (Netherlands), Mark Martecchini (Liberia) and Gerardo Borromeo (Philippines).