The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has reached an historic membership milestone. The Association now represents 32% of the global dry bulk fleet (total) DWT.
INTERCARGO, which meets in Dubai this week for its Semi Annual Meetings, now has within its global fleet more than 3,200 bulkers registered by more than 155 dry bulk owners/managers/operators, with its membership supplemented by 90 associate member companies supporting the sector. INTERCARGO’s members, who span 30 countries, predominantly operate bulk carriers in the international dry bulk trades, such as coal, grain, iron ore and other bulk commodities.
On behalf of its steadily growing membership, INTERCARGO plays an active role in international maritime regulation including at the International Maritime Organization, where it has Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) status, and as a member of the shipping industry Round Table.
Commenting on the membership rise, Dr Kostas Gkonis, INTERCARGO Secretary General, said: “INTERCARGO is an association with a strong international voice and a great deal of weight within the shipping industry. Our progressive growth path over the past few years, together with our high retention rate, reflects the significance of the dedicated work we carry out on behalf of our global membership.”
About INTERCARGO: International shipping is vital for the global economy and prosperity as it transports approximately 90% of world trade. The dry bulk sector is the largest shipping sector in terms of number of ships and deadweight. Dry bulk carriers account for 43% of the world fleet (in tonnage) and carry an estimated 55% of the global transport work.
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) unites and promotes quality dry bulk shipping, bringing together more than 245 forward thinking companies from 30 countries, among which more than 155 owners/managers/operators controlling over 40% (in dwt) of the global dry bulk fleet. INTERCARGO convened for the first time in 1980 in London and has been participating with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since 1993. INTERCARGO provides the forum where dry bulk shipowners, managers and operators are informed about, discuss, and share concerns on key topics and regulatory challenges, especially in relation to safety, the environment, and operational excellence. The Association takes forward its members’ positions to IMO, as well as to other shipping and international industry fora, having free and fair competition as a principle.