Intercargo elects new board at AGM

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (Intercargo) has named a new board to oversee its activities. The trade lobby group said the new appointments will take effect from 1 January 2025.

Intercargo has named Ariston Navigation Corp president and chief executive John A Xylas as its new chairman. Mr Xylas is a 38-year industry veteran and currently sits on the board of the Union of Greek Shipowners.

Dimitrios Fafalios has been appointed honorary chairman following his six-year stint as chairman. President of Fafalios Shipping, Mr Fafalios led Intercargo from 2019, having previously chaired its technical committee for a decade.

Incoming chairman Mr Xylas said, “It is a privilege to take on this role, and I want to express my gratitude to Dimitrios Fafalios for his outstanding leadership over the past six years. As our sector navigates significant changes, from decarbonisation to digitalisation. Intercargo’s role in representing quality dry bulk shipowners has never been more important. Together with our new leadership team, we will continue to promote safe, efficient and environmentally sound bulk carrier operations while ensuring our members’ voices are heard at the highest levels of international shipping.”

Chief operating officer of Neda Maritime Agency, Metaxia Psalti, has been elected vice-chairwoman. The move marks the first time a woman has held this position. Ms Psalti is a veteran with over three decades of maritime experience and expertise, specialising in the commercial operations of a diversified fleet. She has also served Intercargo’s quality panel as its chair.

Pacific Basin Shipping’s Captain Uttam Kumar Jaiswal was also re-elected as vice-chairman. 

Intercargo’s technical committee will also see changes, with Rethymnis & Kulukundis managing director Dimitris Monioudis voted in as chairman, supported by D’Amico technical director Cesare d’Api as vice-chairman.

Current technical committee chairman Tom Keenan is stepping down at the end of 2024, having served the maximum term of six years. Mr Keenan will serve as an honorary member of the technical committee, effective 1 January 2025.

Intercargo’s vice-chairman Spyros Tarasis will also step down at the end of the year following his six-year term.