The board of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has appointed Emanuele Grimaldi, President and Managing Director of Grimaldi Euromed SpA, as Chairman of the Board.
The ICS is one of the biggest collective voices in maritime, representing 80% of the world’s merchant fleet. It has consultative status at the UN International Maritime Organization since 1961, where it works towards regulation of shipping at an international level. It is concerned with all technical, legal, employment and trade policy issues that impact on international ship operations, and also develops best practices and guidance, including a wide range of publications and free resources that are used by ship operators globally.
Grimaldi, a former president of both Confitarma and European Community Shipowners Association (ECSA), was formally voted in as chair by the ICS Board of Directors following the announcement of his nomination last year.
Alongside ICS Secretary General, Guy Platten, his mandate will include working to find private and public solutions on a range of issues facing the sector, including decarbonisation, digitisation, diversity, and crew change.
He succeeds current chair, Esben Poulsson, Executive Chairman ENESEL PTE. LTD., who has served as ICS Chair since 2016. Poulsson steps down after serving three terms of office.
“I am honored to represent the shipping industry at this crucial juncture in our 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,” said Grimaldi.
“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,” Grimaldi added.
“I’m pleased to welcome longtime board member, Emanuele Grimaldi, 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,” said Guy Platten.
“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.”
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