New Bimco secretary general and chief executive David Loosley has received strong backing from industry colleagues after his appointment was revealed this week.

The current chief executive of the Institute of Marine Engineering Science & Technology (IMarEST) will replace retiring Bimco boss Angus Frew at the Denmark-based shipowners' organisation in June.

He has a strong track record in the maritime industry, having previously worked at the UK Hydrographic Office and the UK Royal Navy. He also has a BSc in oceanography.

Julie Lithgow, director of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, told TradeWinds: "I am a huge fan. He’s dynamic, intelligent, hugely competent — he’ll be a loss to IMarEST, and will bring his enthusiasm, his belief in education and learning, and his unfailing positivity to Bimco."

She added: "On an institute level rather than personal — as the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers works even closer with Bimco than we do with IMarEST — we’re delighted he’s taking up this position, and look forward to working together with him on joint projects."

Extraordinary journey

IMarEST told TradeWinds that it plans to make an announcement “in due course” with regard to finding a replacement for Loosley, who became its chief executive in November 2011.

"Since then, David has taken the institute on an extraordinary journey of transformation, diversification and internationalisation, which delivered huge benefit to the institute, members, staff, the sector and the public," IMarEST said.

"David stimulated financial growth and sustainability of the organisation through the introduction of diversified revenue streams and a reduction in the financial operating deficit."

It added: "He encouraged internationalisation and membership growth with increased variety in demographics to support the diversity and inclusion agenda and sustainability of the institute and sector.

"Concurrently he delivered an impressive increase in technical output and leadership for the benefit of members, industry and society."

Thorough search

Denmark-headquartered Bimco said Loosley had been recruited after a "thorough executive search".

He served at sea for 10 years in the UK Royal Navy, was a member of the government’s Maritime 2050 Expert Panel and is a member of the Clean Maritime Council.

“We are delighted to have found a successor who can continue to build on the excellent work carried out by Angus Frew in positioning Bimco as the world’s largest international shipping association," said Bimco president Sadan Kaptanoglu.

"David has outstanding communications skills and is a proven leader of an international shipping-related business.”

Loosley said: "I am very excited to be joining Bimco at this critical time for the industry where a volatile market, new technology and increasing environmental regulation are all having a significant impact.

"I look forward to working with the board of directors to build on the work of my predecessor and to ensure that Bimco maintains its relevance and leadership position, continuing to provide practical solutions and expert advice to its members and the wider maritime community.”