Karrie Trauth elected president of UK Chamber of Shipping

The announcement came at the Chamber’s annual general meeting in London on 24 March, which also confirmed Donnacha O’Driscoll of Carnival UK as vice‑president.

Ms Trauth, who joined Shell more than 30 years ago and became head of its global maritime business in 2025, is only the second woman to lead the nearly 150‑year‑old trade body. She promised to focus on strengthening Britain’s competitiveness as a global shipping nation and called for deeper collaboration between industry and government to sustain growth and innovation.

Having begun her career as a US Navy surface warfare officer, Ms Trauth has held posts spanning ship design, shipyard leadership, decarbonisation, and maritime safety. Her appointment comes amid continuing upheaval in global trade and renewed pressure on the sector to accelerate its transition to cleaner operations.

The Chamber’s chief executive, Rhett Hatcher, said Ms Trauth brings “strategic clarity and global perspective” at a time of “geopolitical volatility, economic transition and rapid technological change”. Mr Rae Smith, who ends a two‑year term, said her leadership would “serve the maritime community exceptionally well”.