BIMCO Officers Meet in Limassol

More than 80 BIMCO officials from 21 countries met in Limassol for the BIMCO Spring Meetings from 22-24 May 2002. The officers constitute the Board of Directors, the BIMCO Executive Committee and the Documentary Committee. One of the most important topics covered during the meetings was a detailed discussion of maritime security. After the meetings, the President of BIMCO, Michael Everard said: “The security issues which have emerged within the last six months in many cases involve the maritime sector. Keep in mind that BIMCO has for many years been actively involved in maritime safety. Over the years, we have therefore developed a close cooperation with a wide range of customs services worldwide and not least the US Coast Guard. Today, those contacts are of tremendous benefit to our members. The authorities appreciate the fact that BIMCO represents nearly 2,700 companies in 122 countries, controlling 65 percent of the world fleet. We are therefore in a unique position to provide the authorities, as well as our members, with practical input and solutions. After all, it is very important that the flow of free trade is maintained. If not, the terrorists will have achieved one of their aims”. The BIMCO officials were delighted to visit Cyprus, with its important role as one of the top locations for third party ship management companies. The BIMCO membership in Cyprus has steadily expanded over the years and today includes 19 owner-members operating 289 vessels of 9.3 million tons deadweight and a further 4 broker-members, 2 club members and one associate member. At a gala dinner hosted by the Cyprus Shipping Council, the President of Cyprus Shipping Council Mr. Andreas Droussiotis said: “International Shipping is currently undergoing a difficult and decisive phase. It is only with sincere and close co-operation between the governmental regulators and their social partners that progress can be achieved, by adopting and implementing comprehensive international shipping standards.