INTERCARGO quality panel expansion enhances sector collaboration

(Posted on 19/01/25)

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has announced a strategic development in meeting the needs of its ever-growing global membership.

Following a productive INTERCARGO Quality Panel meeting with RightShip on 25 November 2024, both organisations have made significant progress in addressing member-raised concerns and developing solutions for the bulk carrier sector, while reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing operational standards in the bulk carrier sector. This collaborative approach is essential for developing effective and pragmatic solutions that enhance safety, transparency and efficiency across the maritime sector.

The next planned meeting is already confirmed for Q1 2025, underlining the long-term nature of this collaboration.

In response to the Quality Panel’s increasing scope of work, INTERCARGO will implement a new structure for it starting January 2025. The Panel will operate through two regional divisions to better accommodate members across different time zones. The Western division will be led by Metaxia Psalti of Neda Maritime as Chair, with Tasos Karlis of Virono serving as Vice-Chair. The Eastern division will be headed by Debashis Sen of Swire Bulk as Chair, supported by Capt. Uttam Kumar Jaiswal of Pacific Basin as Vice-Chair.

"This strategic restructuring and our enhanced dialogue with RightShip demonstrate INTERCARGO's commitment to proactively addressing our members' needs," said Capt. Uttam Kumar Jaiswal, Vice-Chairman of INTERCARGO. "By strengthening these sector partnerships and expanding our global reach, we're better positioned to tackle critical challenges in vetting inspections, ship-port interfaces, and regulatory compliance.

In parallel, INTERCARGO reaffirms its confidence in established institutional organisations within the industry such as international regulatory bodies and classification societies, recognising their fundamental role in ensuring the long-term equitable governance and advancement of global maritime standards.

Through enhanced dialogue and strategic initiatives, INTERCARGO aims to address the evolving challenges faced by the bulk carrier sector while maintaining a focus on quality, safety and environmental stewardship.”

Concluding, Captain Jaiswal stated “The organisation continues to welcome new members, encouraging shipowners, operators, and managers to participate and contribute to the organisation's meetings, discussions, working panels and groups.”