British Chamber of Shipping Elects New President and Vice-President

Helen Deeble (Chief Executive of P&O Ferries) and Kenneth MacLeod (Chairman of Stena Line (UK)) yesterday elected President and Vice President of the Chamber of Shipping at its Annual General Meeting.

In her inaugural address, the President described the stability of the industry’s operating environment as being of “paramount importance”, both in terms of tax and employment.

Michael Parker (Chairman of CMA CGM – UK) ended his second successful spell as President with the launch of the Chamber’s Annual Review 2011-2012, revealing a bold and contemporary theme aiming to represent the day to day work of members across the sector.

The President also thanked Michael Parker for his work over the past year, and highlighted two key successes the Chamber had helped achieve for the industry: the expression of Government support for tonnage tax, and the commitment to the SMarT funding scheme for the duration of this parliament. She acknowledged that carbon and sulphur emissions, anti-piracy measures, safety standards and industry training would continue to dominate as policy issues, and promised that “running through all work this year will be a true focus on the role of shipping and the maritime services cluster – and the benefits they bring to the UK economy.”

In her final comments, Helen Deeble praised a “renewed, reorganised and reinvigorated” Chamber, and looked forward to welcoming members to their new offices by the summer.

Mark Brownrigg, Director General of the Chamber said:

“Today marks a moment in the Chamber’s history as our first female president is elected. Helen Deeble and Ken MacLeod are both exceptionally capable people and we look forward to working with them both this year.”

[mappress]

Source: British-Shipping, March 28, 2012