Smit Salvage’s managing director Richard Janssen has been named as the next president of the International Salvage Union (ISU).
Janssen takes over from Charo Coll who held the position for two years.
The role of president involves representing the interests of the salvage industry and maintaining a dialogue with the marine insurance industry on key salvage contracts like the Lloyd’s Open Form.
In a statement Janssen said: “I want to see through our commitment to encourage high standards of operation and conduct, to promote the value and benefit of our members’ services and to engage with shipowners, insurers and other key stakeholders.”
“We will continue to work with inter-governmental organisations to improve delivery of marine services and safety at sea and we will enhance ISU’s reputation as a source of information and expertise and promote best practice.”
In the past Janssen has worked on high profile wreck removal salvage cases such as Maersk Honam and Tricolor.
Ardent chief executive Peter Pietka has been named as ISU’s vice president.
