Page 5 - Annual Review 2018/2019

Message from the

Chairman

Shipowners nowadays face a variety of environmental its Members with more than 2,200 registered ships out
challenges and rapid technological developments. They of a global dry bulk fleet exceeding 11,000 ships. 25% of
have to keep their operations cost competitive in order the global dry bulk fleet basis deadweight is entered with
to continue serving the needs of world seaborne trade INTERCARGO.
without sacrificing basic requirements. In this context,
INTERCARGO’s three reference pillars of safety, efficiency, An enthusiastic and effective INTERCARGO Secretariat is
and environmental soundness, together with our constant there to serve our present and future Members.
aim for “quality & operational excellence” remain more If not already a Member, we really look forward to
relevant than ever. welcoming you aboard!

On 1 January 2020 when the fuel oil “Sulphur Limit”
comes into force, the supply chain involving refineries, Dimitrios J. Fafalios
bunker suppliers, and charterers will have to be ready. The Chairman
same applies to the end-users, namely the ship owners/ September 2019
operators, who will have to have engines tested, their
crews trained and their bunker tanks cleaned. Since the
2020 decision was taken, INTERCARGO could not ignore
the significant safety issues associated with the question
of the worldwide availability of safe compliant fuels - a
particular problem for ships in the tramp dry bulk trades.
2019 has been a year of preparation for the consumption
of 0.50% sulphur content fuel oil. Ship implementation
plans should already be in place and applied.

There is no doubt that dry bulk shipping should be
proud of the fact that it has been providing efficient
and environmentally friendly services, which are much
needed to meet the world’s transportation requirements
in basic goods: grains, coal, iron ore and other minor bulk
cargoes. These commodities are needed for the welfare
of societies and to keep the world’s economies running.
One should not forget that dry bulk shipping is the largest
sector of international shipping, which itself serves over
90% of world trade, in terms of number of ships and
deadweight. INTERCARGO represents the interests of

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