The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) recently celebrated its 45th anniversary by convening its Annual General Meeting and Semi-annual meetings at the Four Seasons Astir Palace in Athens, held on 3–4 November 2025.
The events signified ongoing growth and achievements within the dry bulk shipping sector, gathering key figures from both the Greek and global maritime communities.
The meetings featured comprehensive discussions focused on the Association's commitment to promoting safer, high-quality, and sustainable dry bulk shipping practices. These deliberations involved collaboration with worldwide stakeholders, reflecting INTERCARGO's strategic initiatives in the industry.
Bulk carrier safety and security
The agenda thoroughly addressed several critical topics such as safety and security in bulk carriers
The agenda thoroughly addressed several critical topics such as safety and security in bulk carriers, operational excellence, and seafarers' welfare.
Additionally, initiatives like DryBMS, digital advancements, and pressing environmental issues, including decarbonisation, along with other dry bulk-specific technical discussions, were evaluated. The participants benefitted from expert presentations by members, providing valuable insights into these essential topics.
INTERCARGO's leadership remained consistent, with John Xylas maintaining his role as Chairman, supported by Metaxia Psalti and Capt. Uttam Kumar Jaiswal as Vice-Chairpersons, Kostas Gkonis as Secretary General, Dimitris Monioudis as Technical Committee Chair, and Cesare D’Api as Vice Chair of the Technical Committee. This stable leadership helps drive the Association's strategic objectives forward.
Unity and shared purpose
A significant highlight was a presentation of a short video celebrating INTERCARGO’s 45-year history, honouring the people and principles steering the Association. Addressing the attendees, Mr. Xylas reflected on the year’s accomplishments, underscoring INTERCARGO's bolstered presence in international forums as a trusted global representative of quality dry bulk shipping.
Mr. Xylas remarked, "From a small group of shipowners in 1980, INTERCARGO has grown into a truly global association representing more than 350 members from over 35 countries, including more than 180 Full Members managing more than 4,400 bulk carriers totalling nearly 420 million DWT — approximately 40% of the world’s dry bulk carrier fleet.”
He further expressed that their unity and shared vision continue to be their greatest strengths as they approach the next decade of sector transition, which will be marked by collaboration, innovation, and leadership.
Looking to 2026, INTERCARGO remains committed to ensuring the dry bulk sector operates safely, sustainably, and efficiently, further reinforcing cooperation within its ever-expanding global membership.
