Esben Poulsson Unanimously Elected ICS Chairman
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) elected Esben Poulsson, President of the Singapore Shipping Association, as its new Chairman on June 2 at the ICS annual general meeting in Tokyo.
Speaking after his unanimous election, Poulsson said: “Within ICS there are two major challenges on which we really need to focus this year. The first is working with IMO Member States to make further progress addressing international shipping’s CO2 emissions, including our proposal that IMO should develop an ‘Intended IMO Determined Contribution’ for reducing the sector’s CO2, similar to the commitments already made by governments as part of the Paris Agreement.
“But even more pressing from an industry perspective is making sure we are ready for the almost certain entry in force of the IMO Ballast Water Convention and engaging with governments, especially the United States, to overcome some remaining but really serious implementation problems.
“More generally, ICS will continue to fight for the maintenance of global rules for our global industry, and continuous improvement with respect to our safety record and environmental performance. I especially want to build on ICS efforts to gain greater recognition of what the industry has already achieved and its critical role in the sustainable development of the world economy and the improvement of global living standards. ”
“I was fortunate enough to lead the strategic review which ICS conducted last year and this made me very aware of the enormous scope of activity in which ICS is engaged. This ranges from representation on policy and operational matters, as well as maritime law and employment affairs, to the production of best practice guidance and technical publications that are relied upon by shipping companies and seafarers worldwide.
“In addition to liaising with governments, this also means maintaining good relations with a large number of international institutions that impact upon the interests of shipowners. As the new ICS Chairman, working with our Secretary General, Peter Hinchliffe, I look forward to addressing these challenges.”
Poulsson will remain President of the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) assisted by Vice Presidents Lisa Teo and Tan Chin Hee, at least until the end of his current term in June 2017. Regarding his role with the SSA, Poulsson said: “Rather than viewing this as a personal achievement, I believe my election is more a reflection of Singapore’s stature as a respected flag state and major international maritime center.
“International engagement and outreach has been, and remains, very much part of the SSA strategy, as approved by this and the previous Council, and is something for which we sense widespread membership support.”
Poulsson will be supported by four ICS Vice Chairmen: John C Lyras (Greece), Karin Orsel (Netherlands), Mark Martecchini (Liberia) and Gerardo Borromeo (Philippines).
Poulsson succeeds Masamichi Morooka (Japan) who has decided to stand down after four years in office.
ICS is the principal international trade association for shipowners, with a membership comprising national shipowners’ associations from 37 countries representing all sectors and trades and over 80 percent of the world merchant fleet.
Biography of Esben Poulsson
Esben Poulsson is Chairman of Enesel, a Singapore based commercial management and ship owning entity, managing 14 large modern container vessels all under the Singapore Flag. He has worked in the maritime industry for over 40 years. He spent 20 years with TORM in a variety of senior management positions in Hong Kong, London, Copenhagen and, most recently, as President and CEO of TORM Singapore before stepping down in December, 2009.
He is a Non-Executive Director of X-Press Feeders (the world’s leading container-feeder ship owner/operator), of First Ship Lease Trust (a Singapore-based business Trust which owns a diverse modern fleet comprising 24 vessels) and of Hafnia Tankers (a major product tanker owner/operator headquartered in Copenhagen). He is non-executive Chairman of Cambiaso Risso Asia (a leading marine insurance broker headquartered in Genoa) and serves as Senior Advisor to Straits Tankers (a Singapore-based Pool Management company being a joint venture between MOL, Tokyo and Hafnia Management, Copenhagen).
He was elected President of the Singapore Shipping Association in June 2015, of which he has been a Council Member since 2007. He also serves on the Board of the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and is an Advisory Council Member of the Singapore Maritime Foundation. Prior to his election as Chairman of the London-based International Chamber of Shipping he held the position of Vice Chairman, on whose Board he represented Singapore.