The following interview was published in Seatalk (9th Edition, 2023). In the complex arena of global trade, with shipping as its crucial backbone, it’s essential to have enterprises that not only brave the waves, but also lead the way towards a more sustainable future. CMBRead More…

With the extension of the EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS) to maritime transport in 2024, the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association is organising a kick-off info session for its members this coming 27 October. Representatives of the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport will alsoRead More…

At the invitation of the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association (RBSA), Michael Fishbach, Executive Director of the Great Whale Conservancy spoke to the European shipping industry at the recent European Shipping Summit. “To protect the great whales from ship strikes and to allow them to continueRead More…

The question was in the mind of every participant at the panel discussion jointly organised by the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association and BIMCO at this week’s European Shipping Summit. Representing the Indian government was Mr Shri Rajesh Kumar Sinha, who emphasized the importance of theRead More…

At the European Shipping Summit, the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association invites all summit participants to take part in a 30-minutes awareness session by the Great Whales Conservancy (GWC). All around the world hundreds, possibly thousands of whales are being unintentionally killed and injured by shipsRead More…

The entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention in 2025 marks a pivotal step by nations to ensure the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. In the race to safeguarding a sustainable planet, the common international standard in ship recycling is also setting a newRead More…

The following interview was published in Seatalk (8th Edition, 2023). It’s not just the employees on board that matter, if you want to sail the right course as a maritime company. Steven De Nijs (46) has been at the helm of Boluda Towage Belgium forRead More…

The Royal Belgian Shipowners Association (RBSA) is positive about the net zero goal achieved today in the plenary meeting of the 80th Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The 175 Member States reached a historic agreement that “in or near”Read More…

In view of the forthcoming IMO’s MEPC 80, Belgian and Dutch shipowners join forces to call on countries worldwide to decide on a clear, simple and ambitious route towards Net Zero shipping by 2050. Next week, the 80th meeting of the IMO’s Marine Environment ProtectionRead More…

This following Op-Ed was published in the Lloyd’s List on 28 June 2023. Decisions made by the IMO this summer will shape the future of the industry’s efforts in tackling climate change. It is crucial for the IMO to embrace its responsibility and lead theRead More…

Belgian shipowners, represented by the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association (RBSA), applaud the approval by the Government of Bangladesh yesterday to ratify the Hong Kong Convention. This moves the world one step closer to the entry into force of a common global standard to recycle end-of-lifeRead More…

The recent review of the regulations pertaining to pollution prevention in the shipping industry, including the Ship-Source Pollution Directive, the Ship Recycling Regulation, and the Environmental Liability Directive is coming under the scrutiny of the shipping industry within and outside Europe. Whilst these directives firmlyRead More…

After decades of intense negotiations, the UN finalised on Saturday the international treaty for the protection of high seas biodiversity. Belgian shipowners applaud the historic move and congratulate the Belgian government’s active role in the development and finalisation of the agreement. “Belgian shipping represents aRead More…

Exactly a year ago, Russia invaded Ukraine. This major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War plunged Europe and the rest of the world into an energy and food crisis. This invasion surprised many who thought that armed conflicts of this degree would nowadays not be possible on EuropeanRead More…

The following interview was published in Seatalk (6th Edition, 2022). SeaTalk had an interview with Rudi Vander Eyken, Head of IT and Innovation at tanker shipping company Euronav, a company that he describes as “young, dynamic and fast-growing”. Rudi has been working in the maritimeRead More…

With the year coming to an end, the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association and its member companies would like to send you our sincerest greetings for the coming year. “In 2022, despite the many challenges brought about the invasion of Ukraine, the continued disruptions of theRead More…

At the joint event today at the International Maritime Organisation, representatives from Belgium, Namibia and the Belgian shipping sector presented the green hydrogen project. The event was held on the occasion of the 79th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). On behalf bothRead More…

The following interview was published in Seatalk (5th Edition, 2022). Vincent and Pierre Durot are two brothers at the helm of Antwerp-based shipping company Boeckmans. They are the fourth generation in this family business that was founded in 1935, and has grown into one ofRead More…

On the occasion of the World Maritime Day, the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association (RBSA) launches the latest update of its study that examines the economic importance of shipping to Belgium. Using key economic figures up until 2020, this 7th edition of the “Economic Impact StudyRead More…

The following interview was published in Seatalk (4th Edition, 2022). Helga Van Noten used to stay regularly with her grandparents, in a flat on the Scheldt quays. The ships stirred the little girl’s curiosity. What is their destination, who are the people on board…? NoRead More…