Chris Charman News

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) Secretariat says that Chris Baldwin has joined its team as a Technical Adviser following a short secondment from the Royal Navy. The association has a strong team of eight Technical Advisers working with Jane Bugler, IMCA’s Technical Director. Chris has spent 29 years in the Royal Navy and most recently held a position in the UK MoD’s Defence Safety and Environment Authority, as the Diving Regulator and Superintendent of Diving. His career path has given him a wide maritime experience including: DP, AUV and ROV operations; ship and Offshore Installation security; competency training, safety auditing and most recently commercial diving.

‘Addressing the Challenges of New Frontiers’ is the topical theme for the International Marine Contractors Association’s (IMCA) Annual Seminar being held in Singapore November 6-7, 2013. The program for the 18th seminar in the annual series is now online at imca-int.com/events/imca-annual-seminar.aspx, and registration is open. Open to members and non-members alike, the seminar features keynote addresses, presentations, workshops and discussions on diving including key developments and advances in diving equipment and operations; marine and subsea operations including DP operations; marine operations, technology and equipment; offshore surveying in remote and harsh environments; ROV and AUV resources and developments in technology.

Chris Charman took over as Chief Executive of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) in December of last year. IMCA’s Chief Executive leads the IMCA secretariat and is responsible for delivering the association’s extensive global work program. Charman, perhaps not widely known to our North American readership, nevertheless brings impressive qualifications to this important advocacy group for the international offshore, marine and underwater engineering sectors.

Offshore energy is a unique animal. I say that because, increasingly, the vessels that provide offshore service are becoming the mainstream of our bluewater merchant marine. Smaller than their containership or tanker cousins – although getting bigger every day – these vessels pack surprising amounts of innovation and technology into every precious inch of their uniquely shaped hulls. As shipyards and operators alike discover that they can build to this scale in a way that competes with foreign yards, the U.S. flag fleet slowly becomes more modern and visible. Along with that comes the realization that this sector has special needs, responsibilities and rules; all of which impacts our ability to produce energy.

Massimo Fontolan, of Saipem Ltd., takes on the role of President of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). Mr. Fontolan is currently Vice President Commercial, North Atlantic and Arctic at Saipem Ltd. In addition to becoming President of IMCA, he also becomes Chairman of the association's Overall Management Committee (OMC), having served as Vice President of IMCA for the past two years. He is a Civil Engineer with a degree in hydromechanics and quick to point…

Chris Charman is appointed Chief Executive of IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association) taking over from Hugh Williams who is retiring. Chris Charman is greatly looking forward to his new role: "IMCA will bring together so many of my professional skills and capabilities – my working life began in the Royal Navy as an officer where I gained invaluable marine experience," he explains. "I have worked with a number of trade associations and 'not-for-profit' organisations; and the vast majority of my working life has been devoted to risk management.

Chris Charman has been appointed as Chief Executive of IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association) taking over from Hugh Williams who is retiring. He will take up the position on 3 December 2012. IMCA is the international trade association for offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies with about 850 members in over 60 countries all around the world. It focuses on offshore construction and marine operations mainly in support of offshore oil & gas, but also marine renewable energy, dredging and telecommunications cable laying.