THE INTERNATIONAL Chamber of Shipping has announced the appointment of Emanuele Grimaldi as its new chairman of the board.
Mr Grimaldi is managing director of the Grimaldi Group, a private shipping company based in Italy. He was formally voted in as chair following the announcement of his nomination last year.
Alongside ICS general secretary Guy Platten, Mr Grimaldi’s mandate will include working to identify solutions to a range of issues across areas such as decarbonisation, digitalisation, diversity and crew change.
He succeeds current chair Esben Poulsson, who has served in the position since 2016, and who steps down after serving three terms of office.
Mr Grimaldi said he was honoured to represent the shipping industry at this crucial juncture in its history.
“I hope to build on the legacy of my predecessor Esben Poulsson and continue to drive meaningful change within the sector and work closely with UN bodies,” he said.
“The world is changing, and shipping must change with it. Fundamental transformation to our fuel supplies, our technology, and the skillsets of our workforce will define the direction shipping takes this decade. I’m excited to say that we are confronting the challenge head on.
“While we are not immune from the challenges that face the global economy, we are resilient. I am confident that the sector will remain a force for good on the international stage, facilitating the movement of vital supplies to those who need them most.”
The ICS noted the appointment comes shortly before the international Day of the Seafarer on 25 June. This year’s celebrations will focus on seafarer voyages, and how they have evolved over time.
Mr Platten said he was pleased to welcome Mr Grimaldi, a long-time board member of the ICS, to the position of chairman.
“I have full faith in him and look forward to working closely together to advance the maritime sector and support our seafarers,” Mr Platten said.
“I cannot thank outgoing chair, Esben Poulsson, enough for his six years of leadership and companionship. Expertly navigating ICS through several major events, including the COVID-19 crew change crisis, a rise in piracy and the Suez Canal blockage.”
The ICS noted the appointment comes shortly before the international Day of the Seafarer on 25 June. This year’s celebrations will focus on seafarer voyages, and how they have evolved over time.
