Sean van Dort steps up to become new chairman of the Global Shippers' Forum

Sean van Dort (pictured) has been voted in as the new chairman of the Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF), succeeding Bob Ballantyne, chief executive of the Freight Management Association of Canada and GSF chairman since its incorporation in 2011.

Mr van Dort is director of logistics and digital services integration for MAS Capital, a major apparel manufacturer based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and has been a member of the GSF Board since 2015.  Until recently, he was also chairman of the Sri Lankan Shippers Council.

Speaking at the GSF Annual Meeting taking place in Melbourne, Australia, Mr van Dort said, “I am grateful for the confidence of the GSF members in confirming my appointment as their chairman.

“Thanks to the wise guidance of Bob Ballantyne, who I am pleased will be remaining on the GSF board, and the enormous efforts of its secretary general, Chris Welsh, the GSF has become a major influence in facilitating global trade and ensuring the needs and priorities of cargo owners are heard and respected in international trade and transport agencies.

“As an organisation, GSF is poised to expand its membership and the services it offers its members.  I am proud to be taking over as Chair of GSF at such a crucial time in its development.”

The GSF is the global voice for shippers, created in 2006 as the successor to the Tripartite Shippers’ Group, and represents the interests of various national and regional shippers’ organisations in Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Africa.