Photo credit: Intercargo / Dimitris J. Fafalios Intercargo Chairman
Intercargo membership has hit record levels boosted by a fresh wave of entrants as it now represents 32% of the global dry bulk fleet dwt.
The number of ships registered with Intercargo rose to 3,200 units, the association senior management said in a news release.
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (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 and operators, with its membership supplemented by 90 associate member companies supporting the sector.
“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,” said Dr Kostas Gkonis, Intercargo Secretary General.
Intecargo’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.
The dry cargo shipowners association 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.
It’s worth noting that 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.
Commenting on the membership rise, Dr Kostas Gkonis, Intercargo Secretary General, also said: “Intercargo is an association with a strong international voice and a great deal of weight within the shipping industry.”
The association convened for the first time in 1980 in London and has been participating with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since 1993.
