Emanuele Grimaldi takes the chair at the International Chamber of Shipping

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) yesterday appointed Emanuele Grimaldi (above, left), president and MD of Grimaldi Euromed, as its new chairman.

The formal appointment of Mr Grimaldi, a former president of both Confitarma and European Community Shipowners Association (ECSA), follows last year’s announcement of his nomination.

Alongside ICS secretary general Guy Platten, his mandate will include working to find private and public solutions to a range of issues facing the sector, including decarbonisation, digitisation, diversity, and crew change.

He succeeds current chair Esben Poulsson (above, right), in the role since 2016 and stepping down after serving three terms of office.

“I am honoured 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 Mr 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 pleased to welcome long-time 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 Mr Platten.

“I cannot thank outgoing chair Esben Poulsson enough for 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,” he added.