The ISU held its popular Members’ Day in central London. The event attracted 150 delegates.

ISU President, Leendert Muller, gave a welcome address (see text, back page) and the opening sequence of speakers features Frederic Denefle [NP1.1]President of IUMI, Jermey Grose, representing IG P&I and Theo Klimp President of the Royal Dutch Shipowners’ Association (KNVR) representing owners. They each gave their perspective on current issues and salvage and a common theme was the need for transparency and cooperation.

The International Maritime Organisation’s Deputy Director for Marine Environment, Patricia Charlebois, set out its priorities and issues and complimented the salvage industry for its work – noting, for example, the case of the FSO SAFER in the Red Sea.

Editor in Chief of Tradewinds, Julian Bray, was interviewed on stage by ISU Secretary General, James Herbert. While he was concerned about issues arising from the Iran war and the change to the established “rules-based order” he reminded delegates that, financially, shipping was enjoying a very positive period.

There were discussions about SCOPIC and Places of Refuge and a session on the way the navies in the US and the UK handle salvage differently and a full update on the current global sanctions regime. The conference programme finished with an exploration of new technology and a panel addressing AI and innovation in the context of encouraging young people to thrive in the industry.

The event concluded with a drinks reception in a spectacular setting looking out over the City of London skyline.

James Herbert said: “It was an excellent Members’ Day and we were pleased to have so many of our existing members with us and to meet representatives of our new members for the first time. Of course the content of the conference is important but bringing the whole industry together and having the opportunity for many side conversations is just as meaningful.”