Melwyn Noronha will become the new chief executive of shipowner’s trade association Shipping Australia on 1 January.
The appointment marks a step up the ladder for the master mariner who has been with the trade body since 2015, most recently as deputy chief executive.
“Melwyn is an outstanding choice and has a wealth of experience in shipping, both at sea and in regulatory roles,” Shipping Australia chairman Scott Henderson said.
“He has thoroughly demonstrated his extensive knowledge of the industry and his ability to liaise and influence at the highest levels.”
Before joining Shipping Australia, Captain Noronha gained his master mariner qualification at the Australian Maritime College.
He sailed internationally as a master of bulker before moving ashore into maritime administrative and regulatory roles in federal and state governments.
Twentieth anniversary
“This appointment of Shipping Australia’s third CEO, as the company celebrates its twentieth anniversary and moves into its third decade, is an important one,” Henderson said.
“It will be a challenging time as the industry recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic and takes on the drive to improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases to meet the IMO’s targets.”
Noronha said: “Shipping holds a special place for me and is crucial to Australia’s economic prosperity.
“The board has put their trust in me, and I will do my utmost to deliver the best outcomes for our members and for Australia.”
He takes over from Rod Nairn, who has led the Sydney-based organisation since 2013.
“I would like to thank Rod for his outstanding leadership and dedicated service over the past eight years. He has had a big impact on the company, modernising its culture, strategy and administration, and expanding its relevance to fully represent the interests of all sectors of international commercial shipping,” Henderson said.
Shipping Australia’s members comprise 29 shipping lines and ships’ agents, who are involved with over 70% of Australia’s container and car trade.
Its members are also involved with over 60% of the country’s breakbulk and bulk trades, along with significant cruiseship and tug operations.
