Page 2 - BSA AGM 2021 Brochure

of the ICS. The BSA has, however, still been actively
Since our last AGM, I have left my role as Vice Chair
awareness for developments and challenges at the
solution and certainly not a replacement for a R&D
submission to the IMO on the implementation of a
very high levels of quality the Bahamas flag stands
programme and the flag ranks among the very top
levy based MBM scheme. Although not an optimal
Since the proposal for the establishment of a R&D
cooperation by the he Round Table organisations,
and that we are not trying to avoid responsibility.
involved in the development of the GHG Strategy
negotiations under auspices of ICS. The work has
In closing, I would like to thank our Members and
Fund, we aim to show that shipping is on the ball
their crews for their hard work in keeping up the
circumstances of the Covid crisis is an absolutely
for. The Bahamas has yet again managed to stay
support the submission has received imperative
Committee meetings also channelling Members
through my role as Chairman of the Long-term
Members, whereas others have questioned its
and it is important the large flags support this
something many of you are aware I have been
purpose. From a shipowner’s perspective, the
received strong support from numerous IMO
The proposal has come about through close
on the Paris MoU. To achieve this under the
regular “covid-related” meetings of the ICS.
Measures Group as I described above. Our
among the flags on the USCG Qualiship 21
Manager has participated in numerous ICS
personally involved in, having chaired the
issues to the ICS when needed as to raise
Fund was developed, the ICS has made a
two other parties to the MLC, the ITF and the ICS (representing the shipping
This past year has been one of the most challenging for our industry. Not only
from a business perspective, but even more so on a personal level from the
a large number of ILO Member States. This has been to such a level that the
Labour Convention, aimed at protecting our crews, has not been lived up to by
have had to work against has been the fact that the Maritime
envisaged only two years ago. In all this, one of the most notable issues we as
frustration and anxiety. Crews have suffered in ways we could not have
men and women who serve onboard doing exactly what the world needs –
carrying goods and people, in fact 90% of global trade, thus being a crucial
perspective of our crews and our shore-based personnel. There has been much
industry), has brought the matter before the ILO Committee of Experts which
harshly condemned governments for not meeting their obligations under the
MLC. The situation is unjust and the burden is in the very end carried by the
development.
Chairman’s Message
with nautical signals, this is the perfect moment for
time. We can also expect the further discussion and
of the processes involved. For those of you familiar
this change, but to date the proposal has been met
With MEPC 77 and COP 26 just around the corner, I
strong calls for Carbon Free shipping. The shipping
with reluctance among some IMO Members. There
for soon to be two years, the team at the BMA has
organisations have proposed the establishment of
simplify registration matters, but also speed up all
there will be enough resources made available for
shipowners and managers can now do a large part
highlight the tremendous work the BMA Director,
of our “paperwork” online. This of course not only
this crisis. Myself and the BSA Board would like to
extent which far exceeds our expectations during
brace for the crisis we are in to continue for some
where we have been supported by the BMA to an
While writing about the BMA, it should be noted
is also belief among both some IMO Members as
that while this crisis still is and has been ongoing
Capt. Dwain Hutchinson, and his whole team are
experienced. In our case, we can share examples
Looking ahead, I believe we must unfortunately
a Research and Development Fund as to ensure
doing – we have received similar feedback from
most likely soon decision on the GHG Strategy.
During this global pandemic we have received
also mustered a digitisation project and we as
information from organisations representing
Shipping is expected to cut a great deal of its
emissions and as you will be aware, there are
seafarers on a range of issues that they have
know shipping is very much in the spotlight.
part of the world economy.
BSA Members.
hoisting BZ!
shipowners
The BMA Chairman Mr Anton Sealey , together with BSA Vice Chairman Captain Domenico Rognoni, on board Carnival Cruise
Line’s new Mardi Gras in Nassau on her maiden voyage. Mardi Gras is the first LNG cruise Ship in North America and the first for
Carnival Cruise Line, with two more LNG vessels arriving in the next two years.
voyage. The newly launched Ocean Explorer, the latest luxury expedition cruise ship from Sunstone Ships Inc., during her maiden tremendous feat. Thank you! well as environmental groups that the proposal to set up a R&D Fund is a way for the shipping John Adams industry to try and dodge more far-reaching Chairman measures, which could not be further from the truth.