The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners – INTERCARGO has reached an historic membership milestone. The Association now represents 32% of the global dry bulk fleet DWT.
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/operators, with its membership supplemented by 90 associate member companies supporting the sector. INTERCARGO’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.
On behalf of its steadily growing membership, INTERCARGO plays an active role in international maritime regulation including at the International Maritime Organization, where it has Non Governmental Organisation status, and as a member of the shipping industry Round Table.
Commenting on the membership rise, Dr Kostas Gkonis, INTERCARGO Secretary General, said: “INTERCARGO is an association with a strong international voice and a great deal of weight within the shipping industry. 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.”
International shipping is vital for the global economy and prosperity as it transports approximately 90% of world trade. 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.