Former Intercargo, ICS chairman passes away

Mr Polemis, a stalwart of the shipping community, passed away on 21 July. He was born on the Island of Andros in 1937, studied in the USA and was an influential representative of the global shipping community in Athens, London and New York. 

The trade association extended condolences to Mr Polemis’ family, adding he was instrumental in consolidating Intercargo’s presence in the shipping industry, during the 1980s and 1990s, by which time Intercargo achieved accredited NGO status at IMO.

He served as Intercargo chairman from 1994 to 1996, and served as vice-chairman from 1990 to 1994.

Mr Polemis was also principal of London-based Seacrest Shipping, according to a statement by the Andros Yacht Club, of which he was a founding member and the honorary president.

The board of directors of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) also extended their sympathies. Mr Polemis served as chairman of ICS from 2006 to 2012 and served on the ICS board for many years as the representative of the Union of Greek Shipowners.

ICS secretary general Guy Platten flagged Mr Polemis’ handling the organisation through the enormous challenges presented by the 2008 financial crisis; the worst years of the Somali piracy crisis, when more than 4,000 seafarers were taken hostage; and credited him with being one of the original advocates for a levy on vessel greenhouse gas emissions.

“He was passionate about crew welfare and maritime safety, with a deep knowledge of the technical issues being addressed by IMO in the early 2000s, such as improvements to bulk carrier safety and the accelerated phase-out of single hull tankers” said Mr Platten.

“Our thoughts and condolences go to Spyros’ family and loved ones and we send our deepest sympathies to them.”