The board of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), representing 80% of the world’s merchant fleet, on Wednesday appointed Emanuele Grimaldi, President and Managing Director of Grimaldi Euromed SpA, as Chairman of the Board.

His mandate will include working to find private and public solutions to a range of issues

Grimaldi, a former president of both Confitarma and European Community Shipowners Association (ECSA), was formally voted in as chair by the ICS Board of Directors, following the announcement of his nomination last year. 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 decarbonization, digitization, diversity, and crew change.

He succeeds current chair, Esben Poulsson, Executive Chairman ENESEL PTE. LTD., who has served as ICS Chair since 2016, and who steps down after serving three terms of office.

“I am honored to represent the shipping industry at this crucial juncture in our history,” Grimaldi said.

Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, remarked, “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.

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