DRY bulk shipowners association Intercargo has scaled new peaks in membership as it marks its 45th anniversary.

“With the latest additions soon to be approved by our board, Intercargo now represents more than 380 members across over 35 countries and territories, encompassing more than 4,400 bulk carriers,” chairman John Xylas told a dinner in Athens to celebrate the milestone.

The capacity of the member fleet had expanded to nearly 420m dwt, Xylas said, accounting for more than 40% of the world’s bulker fleet.

Intercargo was founded in 1980 by the late Greek shipowner Anthony Chandris, who felt the dry bulk shipping industry needed an equivalent to Intertanko, that already existed to represent tanker owners.

Initially it was backed by a small but determined group of owners, but has evolved into a global organisation.

The membership has surged since the start of 2024 when Intercargo had more than 250 members and about 3,300 vessels of 325m dwt enrolled, representing about one-third of the dry bulk fleet.

It has been climbing since 2020, when it included only about half that amount of tonnage.

Nonetheless, association officials say membership is uneven geographically and there are still regions where it would like to increase representation.

“Throughout these decades, Intercargo has remained steadfast in its mission — to promote safety, quality, efficiency, environmental responsibility, and fair treatment for dry bulk shipping and its seafarers,” said Xylas.

Those values remained “at the heart of everything we do”, he said.

“In an era of rapid change and mounting challenges — from decarbonisation and digitalisation to shifting trade patterns and regulatory complexity — our unity and our shared purpose as an industry have never been more important.”

Intercargo would continue to work “tirelessly” at the International Maritime Organization, as well as with regional and national entities to ensure that regulations were “pragmatic and proportionate” and that the sector “continues to operate safely, sustainably, and efficiently.”

Xylas praised the work of the association’s secretariat and introduced the latest additions, Alan Nugent as nautical affairs manager and Myrto Tsouma in the other new position of communications officer.

Intercargo has just relaunched its website with new features and capabilities for members that Xylas said were “a step forward in strengthening communication, transparency, and engagement across our global community”.

The association’s management, technical and executive committee meetings have also been held in Greece this week.