RightShip and INTERCARGO new quality standard

(Posted on 25/01/21)

RightShip and INTERCARGO have announced the launch of an important new quality standard for the dry bulk sector, DryBMS. The standard will be governed by a new NGO to be established later this year and will support the improvement of safety in the dry bulk segment.

INTERCARGO represents the interests of quality dry bulk shipowners, with close to 2,400 registered ships out of more than 11,000 ships in the global dry bulk fleet, corresponding to over 25% of the global dry bulk fleet basis deadweight.

Both RightShip and INTERCARGO have strongly and consistently advocated the need for significant

improvements to dry bulk safety standards. In August 2020 both organisations combined their

expertise to create a single framework for the whole industry.

Supported by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and BIMCO, DryBMS now exists as a

simple set of best practices and key performance indicators and raises the bar on safety,

environmental and operational excellence.

RightShip’s CEO Steen Lund says that he is confident that such a programme will be supported

and adopted: “We are proud to launch DryBMS to the industry. The standard is a product of extensive

collaboration with many stakeholders within the dry bulk sector.

"We believe that this ensures the program will be supported and adopted across the industry as a

whole. The rapid delivery of the initial consultation document means that we are a step closer to

providing consistent, meaningful safety expectations for the dry bulk industry.

“Handing the standard over to a new and independent NGO will ensure the standard is protected and

governed with the industry’s best intentions at heart."

Dimitrios Fafalios, Chairman of INTERCARGO agrees: “This is an important step, not only for the

industry, but for the sector as a whole. We are all collaborating in a scheme that is being developed

by the industry and for the industry, which will deliver a truly robust standard with the buy-in of those

that the industry relies upon to implement and support it.”

RightShip and INTERCARGO are grateful to the joint secretaries, project managers, the industry

experts, as well as the observers from ICS and BIMCO, for their great support leading up to this

important milestone.

“We cannot achieve the best possible result without input from a broad range of maritime

organisations. Each viewpoint helps us gain a comprehensive insight into the needs and wants of our

industry,” added Dimitrios Fafalios.

“We would also like to recognise the leadership and contribution of David Peel, Martin Crawford-Brunt

and everyone who played a role in this collaborative effort for the past two years,” said Steen Lund.

Latest News

Posidonia 2026 takes centre stage amid global freedom of navigation challenges

From insurance and risk management to energy transition, digitalisation and maritime security, the Posidonia... Read more

First maritime compliance & prevention-focused organisation, PaS, joins DBCE

Prevention at Sea (PaS), a leading maritime compliance, auditing, and digital solutions provider, has... Read more

NorthStandard reports strong results and strategic momentum

NorthStandard has reported strong financial results, continued strategic progress and enhanced support... Read more

Latest guidance for vessel transit through Strait of Hormuz

Hundreds of vessels remain unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz and, in the event of a return to more... Read more

The Bahamas regains QUALSHIP 21 eligibility

The Bahamas has regained eligibility for the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 programme... Read more

First dedicated STS standard for dry bulk released by INTERCARGO

Ship to ship (STS) transfers are an established part of dry bulk operations, and they are growing. As... Read more

Columbia reinforces commitment to maritime talent

Columbia Group has strengthened its commitment to developing the next generation of maritime professionals... Read more

Jamaica marks 50 years at IMO with call for island states to shape future

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica has marked Jamaica’s 50th anniversary as a member of the International... Read more

Costamare Bulkers logs first profit after Cargill deal removes most legacy trading

Costamare Bulkers Holdings Limited has reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended... Read more

NORDEN strengthens fleet with the addition of four Handysize vessels

NORDEN have announced that they have expanded their fleet with the purchase of four dry cargo Handysize... Read more