INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, convened in Guangzhou for its semi-annual meetings, the first time the Association has held such an event in China.
The meetings, hosted by COSCO Shipping Bulk, brought together members from across the globe for two days of dialogue and decision-making. Senior representatives gathered to discuss pressing issues the dry bulk sector is facing, including the evolving regulatory landscape, operational performance, and the industry’s sustainability.
Particular focus was given to greenhouse gas emissions and the implications of recent developments at the IMO, along with the European Union’s emissions trading regime and FuelEU framework. Members also examined operational safety, digitalisation, cyber risks, terminal operations, and the growing complexity of ship-recycling requirements. Throughout the meetings, there was strong engagement with INTERCARGO’s strategic initiatives, including the Dry Bulk Management Standard (DryBMS) administered by the Dry Bulk Centre of Excellence, and the work of the Association’s Quality Panels focusing on vetting and port compliance issues.
While there was reaffirmed support for the IMO’s environmental goals and path to net zero, the need for pragmatic application of regulations remained a key theme.
Speaking after the meetings, INTERCARGO Chairman John Xylas said: “Our meetings in Guangzhou have taken place at a time of great complexity for dry bulk shipping. Sustainability, environmental compliance, digitalisation and safety remain at the forefront of our agenda. These discussions provided an essential forum for members to share knowledge, align on priorities and reinforce our collaborative approach.”
The Association also confirmed a number of admissions of new members, as it continues to grow, and announced that its next meeting will take place in Athens from 2 to 4 November 2025.
About INTERCARGO
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.
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) unites and promotes quality dry bulk shipping, bringing together more than 280 forward thinking companies from 30 countries. INTERCARGO convened for the first time in 1980 in London and has been participating with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since 1993. INTERCARGO provides the forum where dry bulk shipowners, managers and operators are informed about, discuss, and share concerns on key topics and regulatory challenges, especially in relation to safety, security, the environment, and operational excellence. The Association promotes its members’ positions to IMO, as well as to other shipping and international industry fora, having free and fair competition as a principle.
Captions: INTERCARGO’s semi-annual meetings in Guangzhou, China
Credits: INTERCARGO
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