| July – August 2026 update of Secretariat activities
Dear Members of INTERCARGO, Several developments have taken place since June. Below is an overview of our Association’s activities recent and upcoming, reflecting INTERCARGO’s continued commitment to representing the interests of quality dry bulk shipping, supporting members, and engaging with industry stakeholders and regulators. Industry Engagement and Representation On 25 June 2026, INTERCARGO marked the Day of the Seafarer by expressing sincere gratitude to seafarers worldwide, highlighting their essential role in sustaining global trade in key shipping regions, including the Black Sea and the Middle East Gulf, and calling for the genuine recognition and protection of their key worker status.INTERCARGO has continued its active engagement with key industry stakeholders through a range of meetings and initiatives. Members are encouraged to consult the Events & Forums section of our Association’s website for latest information on past and upcoming meetings, webinars and other engagement opportunities. Technical, Regulatory Developments, and Current Affairs INTERCARGO remains actively engaged in technical and regulatory matters affecting the dry bulk sector. Our Secretariat continues to monitor developments across the international regulatory landscape, providing members with technical information, practical guidance and updates on issues affecting dry bulk shipping. Technical Developments INTERCARGO, together with industry partners, issued updated guidance on the safe carriage of nickel ore cargoes from the Philippines and Solomon Islands, highlighting the increased risks of liquefaction and providing recommendations to mitigate the associated hazards. INTERCARGO’s Quality Panel welcomed RightShip’s decision to remove the automatic impact of Show-Stopper findings on Safety Scores and inspection outcomes. The change reflects constructive industry engagement and reinforces the value of members’ contributions in helping ensure that inspection frameworks remain both safety-focused and practical. Our Association also hosted a dedicated webinar on Energy Efficiency, showcasing innovative technologies and practical solutions to improve vessel performance, reduce emissions and support the industry’s decarbonisation objectives. Safety and Security INTERCARGO contributed to the latest update of the Best Management Practices (BMP) for Maritime Security, with the revised guidance including new content on actions during activist boardings and reflecting the evolving security landscape for seafarers and vessels. In light of the continuing tensions in the Middle East, members are encouraged to keep referring to INTERCARGO’s guidance regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the wider region, urging heightened vigilance, close monitoring of security developments and strict adherence to industry best practices to safeguard vessels and crews operating in high-risk areas. Our latest media release also highlighted the dry bulk sector’s continued improvements in safety performance while drawing attention to emerging risks and the need for sustained vigilance and proactive risk management. Regulations and IMO Engagement Our Association has maintained its active presence at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) representing the interests of quality dry bulk shipping, on the development of international maritime regulations, as well as current affairs such as the ongoing situation in Hormuz. Members are reminded that all INTERCARGO submissions, pre-briefs and outcome briefs for IMO meetings are available under the IMO section of our Association’s website. Membership updates INTERCARGO has been delighted to welcome the following new Members since our pervious update: Full Members:
Associate Members
Looking Ahead The Secretariat remains committed to supporting members through effective representation, practical guidance, technical expertise, and constructive engagement with regulators and industry stakeholders.Members are encouraged to visit INTERCARGO’s new website regularly to access technical updates, guidance, and news, including guidance on vigilance and protection of bulk carrier seafarers and shore-based personnel operating in the Gulf region.We encourage all members to remain engaged with the Association’s activities and continue sharing their views and feedback with the Secretariat. For any question or clarification, do not hesitate to contact me and our Secretariat at info@intercargo.org. Kind regards Kostas G. Gkonis, PhD Secretary General |
| May-June 2026 update of Secretariat activities
Dear Members of INTERCARGO, Several developments have taken place since May. Here is an overview of our Association’s activities, reflecting INTERCARGO’s continued focus on safety, operational excellence, regulatory engagement, and member support. Launch of INTERCARGO’s New Website A significant milestone for our Association has been the launch of INTERCARGO’s new website (as always at https://www.intercargo.org/). The new platform has been designed to improve accessibility to information, enhance the user experience, and provide members and stakeholders with a more modern and effective means of engaging with the Association’s work. Members are encouraged to explore the website, familiarise themselves with its structure and content, and make full use of the resources available. We would also greatly appreciate receiving any feedback, suggestions, or observations that may assist us in further improving the platform. The website will continue to serve as a primary source of information on INTERCARGO’s activities, publications, technical work, events, and industry developments. Member Engagement and Industry Leadership INTERCARGO’s semi-annual meetings were successfully held in Singapore on 14-15 May 2026, bringing together members, guests, and industry stakeholders through meetings of the Technical Committee and Executive Committee, as well as open discussion sessions.The meetings addressed a wide range of technical, operational, regulatory, environmental, and commercial developments affecting the dry bulk sector. Presentations from the meetings have been made available to members. Our next meetings and AGM will be taking place in Rome on 10-11 November 2026. The Secretariat has also continued its programme of member engagement through webinars and technical briefings addressing practical industry challenges, including vessel inspections, port and terminal operations, mooring safety, and regulatory compliance. Safety, Security and Operational Excellence Safety and the protection of seafarers remain at the core of INTERCARGO’s activities. The Association continues to monitor developments in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Middle East region, maintaining dialogue with relevant stakeholders and naval representatives while providing members with updates and guidance aimed at supporting informed decision-making, effective risk assessment, and the protection of crews and shore-based personnel. A major industry milestone was achieved through the publication of the first dedicated Ship-to-Ship (STS) standard developed specifically for the dry bulk sector. The guidance reflects the growing importance of STS operations as trading patterns evolve, vessel sizes increase, and new cargo flows and trading areas emerge. In addition, INTERCARGO published its latest Bulk Carrier Casualty Report, analysing casualty trends, lessons learned, and areas for continued improvement in safety performance across the sector. Regulatory and Technical Developments INTERCARGO has remained actively engaged in international regulatory developments, including the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Association has circulated briefings covering the outcomes of MEPC 84 and has continued to contribute to discussions on a wide range of technical and environmental issues, including decarbonisation, biofouling management, ballast water management, and safety-related regulatory matters. Members continue to receive regular technical updates covering developments across the Association’s work programme and matters of relevance to dry bulk operations. Publications, Data and Industry Intelligence Supporting members with practical information and industry intelligence remains a key priority. During the period, INTERCARGO published its Benchmarking Bulk Carriers 2025 Report, providing performance and benchmarking insights relevant to the dry bulk fleet. Our Association has also continued to expand and maintain resources that support operational improvement and experience sharing, including reporting and analysis relating to ship-terminal interface issues, ports and terminals, cyber risks, incidents and casualties, and cargo-related matters. Communications and Industry Representation INTERCARGO’s expertise and advocacy efforts continue to be recognised throughout the maritime industry. The Association has maintained an active presence through media interviews, articles, conference participation, public statements, and engagement with industry stakeholders, reinforcing INTERCARGO’s role as the leading voice of quality dry bulk shipping worldwide. Membership updates INTERCARGO has been delighted to welcome the following new Members: Full Members:
New Full Members joining in 2026 are listed here. Associate Members
New Associate Members joining in 2026 are listed here. Looking Ahead The Secretariat remains committed to supporting members through effective representation, practical guidance, technical expertise, and constructive engagement with regulators and industry stakeholders. We encourage all members to remain engaged with the Association’s activities, make regular use of the new website, and continue sharing their views and feedback with the Secretariat. For any question or clarification, do not hesitate to contact me and our Secretariat at info@intercargo.org. Kostas
Kostas Gkonis Secretary General
|
Dear Members of INTERCARGO,
Together with our Secretariat’s best wishes for the month of April, and while a critical situation in the Middle East has been ongoing, below is an update on our Association’s latest and forthcoming initiatives:
Membership updates;
Upcoming INTERCARGO semi-annual meetings: 14-15 May 2026;
Calendar of meetings & events;
Media releases / Public communications;
Publications, papers, and media productions;
Web-posted updates relating to INTERCARGO’s Work Programme;
Regular circulars;
Members’ Surveys & Reporting;
2026 Membership logos, Company & Ship Certificates;
Other updates.
In more detail:
Membership updates
INTERCARGO has been delighted to welcome the following new Members in March:
Full Members:
New Full Members joining in 2026 are listed here.
Associate Members
New Associate Members joining in 2026 are listed here.
Upcoming INTERCARGO semi-annual meetings: 14-15 May 2026
All members are reminded that our Association’s next semi-annual meetings which will be taking place in Singapore on 14-15 May 2026 :
– For Registrations, accommodation offers, and our main events please see here.
Further information, including Committee meetings’ Agendas, will be shared in due course and will also be posted at the above link.
Calendar of meetings & events
– ECSA Safety & Environment Committee, March 9, please refer here
– CMA Shipping Conference, March 10-12, please refer here
– INTERCARGO-hosted webinar on High Risk Berths And Mooring Line Management Plans, March 16, please refer here
– IMO Council Extraordinary Session C/ES.36, March 16-19, please refer here
– IMO Facilitation Committee (FAL 50), March 23-27, please refer here
– SHIP-TO-SHIP Transfer Guidelines Launch, March 31, , please refer here
For a detailed account of recent & upcoming meetings/events, please refer to the monthly calendar (latest update as of April 1st, attached to this webpage).
Media releases / Public communications
– “INTERCARGO Convenes Maritime Industry to Advance Common Approach to Dry Bulk STS Transfers”, March 31
INTERCARGO’s communications on LinkedIn can be viewed & followed here.
You may view all INTERCARGO’s Media releases here.
Publications, papers, and media productions
– NEW INTERCARGO Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guidelines for Bulk Carriers – please see here
– UPDATED INTERCARGO Submissions to IMO in 2026 – please see here
– INTERCARGO Annual Review 2025 – please see here
– INTERCARGO Benchmarking Report 2024-2025 – please see here
– INTERCARGO Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2015-2024 – please see here
– Consolidated BMP Maritime Security publication – please see here
– INTERCARGO videos – please see here
– Guidelines on Cyber Security On Board Ships – please see here
– INTERCARGO ESG Review 2024 – please see here
For all publications, please view here
Web-posted updates relating to INTERCARGO’s Work Programme
– Technical Updates – please see here
– Cargoes / Liquefaction – please see here
– Design & Construction, Machinery & Operations – please see here
– Incidents & Casualties – please see here
– Life Saving – please see here
– Cyber Risks – please see here
– Ports & Terminals – please see here
– IMO – please see here
– EU Regulations – please see here
Regular circulars
– Dry bulk trade and fleet update (monthly, also posted here)
– Selected Headlines on Alternative Fuels & Technologies (also posted here)
– Selected News Headlines (also posted here)
– the present update of Secretariat activities (monthly, also posted here)
Members’ Surveys & Reporting
For our Surveys & Reporting, including the below, please refer for details here
– Terminal Reporting
– Safe Loading/Unloading at Anchorage
– Crew injury frequency and lost time
– Other experience sharing
2026 Membership logos, Company & Ship Certificates
The 2026 Vessels’ Certificates can be accessed here.
Members may request their 2026 Membership Logo and Company Certificate at info@intercargo.org
All Members are encouraged to use their Membership Logo in their communications; Company & Ship Certificates may be displayed onboard on Bridge, Ship’s Office, and Engine Control Room.
Other updates
You are invited to refer to our Association’s circulars shared via regular emailing
and consult the articles on our website https://www.intercargo.org/, where the latest updates are posted on the Homepage under:
– IN FOCUS
– LATEST ARTICLES (Noticeboard, Association News, Media Releases)
– and MEMBER NEWS (includes access to industry events);
also navigate the MENU (top of page) for Topics, News, and other categories of updates.
For any question or clarification, do not hesitate to contact me and our Secretariat at info@intercargo.org.
Kostas
Kostas Gkonis
Secretary General
Dear Members of INTERCARGO,
With March already under way and mindful of the developments in the Middle East, below is an update on our Association’s latest and forthcoming initiatives:
Membership updates;
Upcoming INTERCARGO semi-annual meetings: 14-15 May 2026;
Calendar of meetings & events;
Media releases / Public communications;
Publications, papers, and media productions;
Web-posted updates relating to INTERCARGO’s Work Programme;
Regular circulars;
Members’ Surveys & Reporting;
2026 Membership logos, Company & Ship Certificates;
Other updates.
In more detail:
Membership updates
INTERCARGO has been delighted to welcome the following new Members in February:
Full Members:
New Full Members joining in 2026 are listed here.
Associate Members
New Associate Members joining in 2026 are listed here.
Upcoming INTERCARGO semi-annual meetings: 14-15 May 2026
All members are reminded that our Association’s next semi-annual meetings which will be taking place in Singapore on 14-15 May 2026 :
– For Registrations, accommodation offers, and our main events please see here.
Further information, including Committee meetings’ Agendas, will be shared in due course and will also be posted at the above link.
Calendar of meetings & events
– IMO Sub-Committee On Pollution Prevention And Response (PPR 13), Feb. 9-13, please refer here
– IMO Sub-Committee On Human Element, Training And Watchkeeping (HTW), Feb. 23-27, please refer here
– (upcoming) INTERCARGO-hosted webinar on High Risk Berths And Mooring Line Management Plans, March 16, please refer here
– (upcoming) IMO Facilitation Committee (IMO FAL 50), March 23-27, please refer here
For a detailed account of recent & upcoming meetings/events, please refer to the monthly calendar (latest update as of March 2nd, attached to this webpage).
Media releases / Public communications
– (joint release) “Shipping Industry Associations’ Chairs reaffirm commitment to cooperation on shared challenges”, Feb. 9
– “Annual Capital Link Greek Shipping Forum – INTERCARGO Chair’s Statement”, Feb. 6
INTERCARGO’s communications on LinkedIn can be viewed & followed here.
You may view all INTERCARGO’s Media releases here.
Publications, papers, and media productions
– NEW INTERCARGO Submissions to IMO in 2026 – please see here
– INTERCARGO Annual Review 2025 – please see here
– UPCOMING INTERCARGO Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guidelines for Bulk Carriers – First Edition
– INTERCARGO Benchmarking Report 2024-2025 – please see here
– INTERCARGO Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2015-2024 – please see here
– Consolidated BMP Maritime Security publication – please see here
– INTERCARGO videos – please see here
– Guidelines on Cyber Security On Board Ships – please see here
– INTERCARGO ESG Review 2024 – please see here
For all publications, please view here
Web-posted updates relating to INTERCARGO’s Work Programme
– Incidents & Casualties – please see here
– Emissions – please see here
– Training, Manpower & Human Element – please see here
– IMO – please see here
– EU Regulations – please see here
– INTERCARGO Quality Panel – please see here
Regular circulars
– Selected News Headlines (also posted here)
– Selected Headlines on Alternative Fuels & Technologies (also posted here)
– Dry bulk trade and fleet update (monthly, also posted here)
– Technical Updates (also posted here)
– the present update of Secretariat activities (monthly, also posted here)
Members’ Surveys & Reporting
For our Surveys & Reporting, including the below, please refer for details here
– Terminal Reporting
– Safe Loading/Unloading at Anchorage
– Crew injury frequency and lost time
– Other experience sharing
2026 Membership logos, Company & Ship Certificates
The 2026 Vessels’ Certificates can be accessed here.
Members may request their 2026 Membership Logo and Company Certificate at info@intercargo.org
All Members are encouraged to use their Membership Logo in their communications; Company & Ship Certificates may be displayed onboard on Bridge, Ship’s Office, and Engine Control Room.
Other updates
You are invited to refer to our Association’s circulars shared via regular emailing
and consult the articles on our website https://www.intercargo.org/, where the latest updates are posted on the Homepage under:
– IN FOCUS
– LATEST ARTICLES (Noticeboard, Association News, Media Releases)
– and MEMBER NEWS (includes access to industry events);
also navigate the MENU (top of page) for Topics, News, and other categories of updates.
For any question or clarification, do not hesitate to contact me and our Secretariat at info@intercargo.org.
Kostas
Kostas Gkonis
Secretary General
Dear Members of INTERCARGO,
Together with our Secretariat’s best wishes for the month of February, a brief review of our Association’s latest and upcoming activities follows:
Membership updates;
Calendar of meetings & events;
Media releases / Public communications;
Publications, papers, and media productions;
Web-posted updates relating to INTERCARGO’s Work Programme;
Regular circulars;
Members’ Surveys & Reporting;
Other updates.
In more detail:
Membership updates
INTERCARGO has been delighted to welcome the following new Members in January:
Full Members:
New Full Members joining in 2026 are listed here.
Associate Members:
New Associate Members joining in 2026 are listed here.
Calendar of meetings & events
– IMO Sub-Committee On Ship Design And Construction (SDC 12), Jan. 19-23, please refer here
– INTERCARGO hosted Webinar on FuelEU Maritime Verification, Jan. 27, please refer here
– (Save-the-date) INTERCARGO’s next semi-annual meetings will be taking place in Singapore on 14-15 May 2026. Further details will be shared in due course and will be posted here.
For a detailed account of recent & upcoming meetings/events, please refer to the monthly calendar (latest update as of February 2nd, attached to this webpage)
Media releases / Public communications
INTERCARGO’s communications on LinkedIn can be viewed & followed here.
You may view all INTERCARGO’s Media releases here.
Publications, papers, and media productions
– NEW INTERCARGO Annual Review 2025 – please see here
– UPCOMING INTERCARGO Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guidelines for Bulk Carriers – First Edition
– INTERCARGO Benchmarking Report 2024-2025 – please see here
– INTERCARGO Submissions to IMO in 2025 – please see here
– INTERCARGO Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2015-2024 – please see here
– Consolidated BMP Maritime Security publication – please see here
– INTERCARGO videos – please see here
– Guidelines on Cyber Security On Board Ships – please see here
– INTERCARGO ESG Review 2024 – please see here
For all publications, please view here
Web-posted updates relating to INTERCARGO’s Work Programme
– Design & Construction, Machinery & Operations – please see here
– Incidents & Casualties – please see here
– Cyber Risks – please see here
– Ballast Water – please see here
– Coatings – please see here
– Emissions – please see here
– Ports & Terminals – please see here
– IMO – please see here
– EU Regulations – please see here
– Together in Safety – please see here
Regular circulars
– Dry bulk trade and fleet update (monthly, also posted here)
– Selected News Headlines (also posted here)
– Selected Headlines on Alternative Fuels & Technologies (also posted here)
– Technical Updates (also posted here)
– the present update of Secretariat activities (monthly)
Members’ Surveys & Reporting
For our Surveys & Reporting, including the below, please refer for details here
– Terminal Reporting
– Safe Loading/Unloading at Anchorage
– Crew injury frequency and lost time
– Other experience sharing
Other updates
You are invited to refer to our Association’s circulars shared via regular emailing
and consult the articles on our website https://www.intercargo.org/, where the latest updates are posted on the Homepage under:
– IN FOCUS
– LATEST ARTICLES (Noticeboard, Association News, Media Releases)
– and MEMBER NEWS (includes access to industry events);
also navigate the MENU (top of page) for Topics, News, and other categories of updates.
For any question or clarification, do not hesitate to contact me and our Secretariat at info@intercargo.org.
Kostas
Kostas Gkonis
Secretary General
Dear Members of INTERCARGO,
Warmest wishes on behalf of our Secretariat for a prosperous, safe, and successful New Year!
Please refer to INTERCARGO Chairman’s 2026 Welcome Message.
A brief review follows of our Association’s latest and upcoming activities::
Membership updates;
Calendar of meetings & events;
Media releases / Public communications;
Publications, papers, and media productions;
Web-posted updates relating to INTERCARGO’s Work Programme;
Regular circulars;
Members’ Surveys & Reporting;
Other updates.
In more detail:
Membership updates
INTERCARGO has been delighted to welcome the following new Members since our previous monthly update in December:
Full Members:
– Qingdao Agricore Ship Management Co. Ltd
– H. Vogemann Reederei Services GmbH & Co. KG
– Capital Axis Maritime Corp.
New Full Members joining in 2026 are listed here and in 2025 here.
Associate Members:
– Kpler Holding SA
– Interoutes
– A General Group
– ABB Oy
– Brigantine Marine Service
– CYMEPA
– Metis Cyberspace Technology S.A.
– Zhejiang Four Brothers Rope Co. Ltd
– Maritime Trainer
– Accelleron Switzerland Ltd
– The Shipping Federation of Canada
New Associate Members joining in 2026 are listed here and in 2025 here.
Calendar of meetings & events
– INTERCARGO Quality Panel West and Panel East meetings, Dec. 1 and 3, please refer here
– The 4th International Maritime Human Factors Symposium, Dec. 3-5
– (upcoming) IMO Sub-Committee On Ship Design And Construction (SDC 12), Jan. 19-23
– (Save-the-date) INTERCARGO’s next semi-annual meetings will be taking place in Singapore on 14-15 May 2026. Further details will be shared in due course and will be posted here.
For a detailed account of recent & upcoming meetings/events, please refer to the monthly calendar (latest update as of January 7th, attached to this webpage)
Media releases / Public communications
– “Congratulating Michael Phoon on his appointment as Managing Director of Dry Bulk Centre of Excellence” (December 9)
You may view all INTERCARGO’s Media releases here.
INTERCARGO’s communications on LinkedIn can be viewed & followed here.
Publications, papers, and media productions
– UPCOMING INTERCARGO Annual Review 2025
– UPCOMING INTERCARGO Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guidelines for Bulk Carriers – First Edition
– INTERCARGO Benchmarking Report 2024-2025 – please see here
– INTERCARGO Submissions to IMO in 2025 – please see here
– INTERCARGO Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2015-2024 – please see here
– Consolidated BMP Maritime Security publication – please see here
– INTERCARGO videos – please see here
– INTERCARGO Annual Review 2023-2024 – please see here
– Guidelines on Cyber Security On Board Ships – please see here
– INTERCARGO ESG Review 2024 – please see here
For all publications, please view here
Web-posted updates relating to INTERCARGO’s Work Programme
– Piracy – please see here
– Cyber Risks – please see here
– Ballast Water – please see here
– Ports & Terminals – please see here
– IMO – please see here
– EU Regulations – please see here
Regular circulars
– Technical Updates (also posted here)
– Dry bulk trade and fleet update (monthly, also posted here)
– Selected Headlines on Alternative Fuels & Technologies (also posted here)
– Selected News Headlines (also posted here)
– the present update of Secretariat activities (monthly, also posted here)
Members’ Surveys & Reporting
For our Surveys & Reporting, including the below, please refer for details here
– Terminal Reporting
– Safe Loading/Unloading at Anchorage
– Crew injury frequency and lost time
– Other experience sharing
Other updates
INTERCARGO’s revised Constitution, according to the Annual General Meeting 2025 deliberations, is available here.
You are invited to refer to our Association’s circulars shared via regular emailing
and consult the articles on our website https://www.intercargo.org/, where the latest updates are posted on the Homepage under:
– IN FOCUS
– LATEST ARTICLES (Noticeboard, Association News, Media Releases)
– and MEMBER NEWS (includes access to industry events);
also navigate the MENU (top of page) for Topics, News, and other categories of updates.
For any question or clarification, do not hesitate to contact me and our Secretariat at info@intercargo.org.
Kostas
Kostas Gkonis
Secretary General
For the 2025 monthly updates, please see here