Page 7 - The Flag March 2018

uBSA
BSA CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
2017 was certainly a landmark year – with a number of notable milestones from a Bahamas shipping perspective.
u JOHNADAMS,CHAIRMANBSA
Of primary importance, was the re-election of The Bahamas to the IMO Council. This is a strong endorsement of the Bahamas dynamic role at the IMO, and I would like to acknowledge all involved in this successful outcome – ranging from various branches of The Bahamas Government, to our friends and colleagues at the BMA. It is also a clear af rmation of the important relationship and cooperation between Bahamas Shipowners and the BMA. We have worked closely together, as regulators and operators, to develop and secure one of the top positions among ags with regard to safety, quality and brand. This is a highly valued relationship and something I and the BSA Board are very proud of and it augurs well for both the BMA and the BSA having a voice at IMO.
Earlier last year, I was also very proud to have been elected as Vice Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). As ICS Vice Chairman, I sit on the Maritime International Secretariat Services (MARISEC/ ICS Publications) Board, and as BSA Chair, I am also a member of the ICS Board. BSA Board members also actively participate in the various ICS specialized committees, sub-committees, and panels. The ICS also provides a conduit for the BSA to the IMO.
Major developments within shipping during 2018 include the nalisation of the IMO Strategy for Reduction of Green House Gas emissions from shipping. The outcome of which will have profound future effects on global shipping and we can expect continued intense discussions during MEPC72. Related to this issue, I chaired the ICS MBM Working Group, interacting with all of the maritime ‘Round Table’ organisations; ICS, BIMCO, INTERTANKO and INTERCARGO. A joint proposal on GHG reductions was made to the MEPC71 last year, showing a strong statement of the industry’s readiness to act on this crucial matter.
In support of our aim to provide a Progressive, Effective, Trusted, and
Visible association, promoting the interests of our members, we held meetings with the European Union (EC-DG MOVE); USCG; and EPA – these were joint delegations with the BMA further underlining our close relationship. The BSA featured as a supporting organisation of London International Shipping Week, during which we held a very successful 21st AGM – with participants from our membership, invited guests, and prominent industry speakers. We were also part of a high-pro le industry panel debate on GHG emissions at the ICS International Shipping Conference, strongly representing the shipowner/operator perspective.
As part of our ongoing strategic work, we launched the new BSA website at the end of 2017. The website is designed to increase interaction with members, and
we are also looking to involve larger numbers of members in the work at the ICS specialised Committees and Panels.
Looking Ahead – 2018 will see further new developments, such as, the nalisation of the Global Sulphur Cap 2020; SEEMP Guidelines; implementation of the EU MRV monitoring system; possible alignment of the EU MRV regulation with the IMO Data Collection System; Biofouling; MARPOL Annex V and VI... in other words, the only constant will be continued change and future challenges. In closing, I would like to thank the BSA Secretariat, Kendanique and Anders, and our Treasurer Leon, for their tireless work throughout the year.
Please also reference our Quarterly News ash for more information.
u LEFTTORIGHT:BSABOARDMEMBERDOMENICOROGNONI,COMMODORE DAVY ROLLE AND BSA CHAIRMAN JOHN ADAMS AT THE FAREWELL GALA
u USCG DIRECTOR OF INSPECTIONS AND COMPLIANCE CAPTAIN JENNIFER WILLIAMS (CENTER), AND OTHER USCG COLLEAGUES, MEET WITH A BSA AND BMA DELEGATION IN USCG WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS
AndersBrodje,Manager +447497754923 [email protected] KendaniqueFerguson,BSASecretary +442075621315 [email protected]
the ag
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