Port of StocktonSailors SocietyTBA GroupViganCimbriaVan Aalst
  • Telestack
  • Geneva Dry
  • Sailors Society
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • TOC Africa 2025
  • Bühler GmbH

Shipping Association’s Round Table highlights key issues

Shipping Association’s Round Table highlights key issues

(Posted on 11/03/21)

Leaders of the Round Table of International Shipping Associations - BIMCO, INTERCARGO, International Chamber of Shipping and INTERTANKO - met virtually last week to debate key issues facing the maritime industry today. At the meeting, the associations affirmed the industry’s commitment to universal recognition for seafarers, the decarbonisation of shipping and addressing the threat to shipping from piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

High on the agenda was the continued lack of universal recognition for seafarers as key workers. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a raft of issues, including lack of access to medical services, the need for an efficient, consistent and prioritised worldwide vaccination programme, and the ongoing need to resolve the crew change crisis in preparation for a global reboot of the world’s economy.

Dimitris J. Fafalios, INTERCARGO Chairman, and chair of the meeting said: “It is time for UN Agencies, governments and global organisations to coordinate a worldwide vaccination programme for seafarers in line with the timescales recommended by the World Health Organisation.

“Government leaders must commit to collective action and take to task their counterparts who fail to appreciate that the welfare of seafarers is not only a humanitarian issue, but that the world’s seafarers are responsible for keeping global trade moving.

climate emergency and reducing emissions remains a key priority for the industry. Members of the Round Table highlighted the importance that the shipping industry places on its environmental stewardship, and on controlling and reducing its GHG emissions. They also, stressed that a large-scale investment in research and development is paramount for real progress towards a zero-carbon industry by 2050.

To this end, members also confirmed their commitment to the industry-wide Maritime Research and Development Board (IMRB) initiative to accelerate the introduction of zero-emission technologies for maritime transport. Decarbonization can only be achieved with the immediate acceleration of the development of zero-carbon fuels and technologies, and the IMRB is a crucial vehicle for driving the progress needed to build a zero-carbon shipping industry.

The piracy threat in the Gulf of Guinea continues to escalate. It was recognised that Nigeria has invested in law enforcement capabilities, but these are likely to take some time before having a significant effect. Effective maritime law enforcement in both territorial and international waters in the region is long overdue, and enforcement by able and willing naval forces is needed urgently to counter the deadly threat to seafarers. Members of the Round Table were unanimous in their agreement to continually review options and to take all necessary actions to reduce the Nigerian piracy threat.

Latest News

Positive results for Pacific Basin despite weaker freight market

(Posted on 15/08/25)

Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has announced... Read more


Swedish Club: Geopolitical volatility is new normal for marine insurance

(Posted on 14/08/25)

The shipping industry must accept that geopolitical instability is now a permanent part of the operating... Read more


Diverse vessel and market portfolio provides resilience for Algoma

(Posted on 11/08/25)

Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025... Read more


Columbia: Compliance must be more than box-ticking exercise

(Posted on 11/08/25)

The International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has sent a clear message... Read more


DNV and RSI complete study on decarbonising short sea dry bulk fleet

(Posted on 07/08/25)

Amid increasing pressure on shipping to achieve the IMO 2050 decarbonization targets, the Responsible... Read more


London P&I Club warns industry over incorrect FIBC loading

(Posted on 04/08/25)

The London P&I Club has renewed calls on ship owners, operators and charterers to address potential... Read more


Columbia Group calls for overhaul of maritime training

(Posted on 04/08/25)

Columbia Group is calling for urgent reforms in maritime education to address a growing shortage of... Read more


MIS launches as new global media platform

(Posted on 30/07/25)

Maritime Information Services (MIS) has officially launched as a global media platform delivering daily... Read more


Russian and Ukrainian seafarers continue struggle with psychiatric fallout of war

(Posted on 30/07/25)

Russian and Ukrainian seafarers continue to experience significant psychological strain following the... Read more


Noatum expands global footprint with inauguration of Shanghai office

(Posted on 30/07/25)

Noatum Maritime, part of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster, announced the official... Read more


TOC Africa 2025Geneva DryTOC Americas 2025Bühler GmbHTelestackPort of South Louisiana
  • Cimbria
  • Port of Stockton

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping