Shipowners' organisation Bimco has recruited policy expert Bev Mackenzie to run its new London office.
She is leaving the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST) after 16 years.
She will become Bimco's permanent representative at the International Maritime Organization on 1 February.
Mackenzie is currently director of technical and policy at IMarEST.
The London outpost becomes Bimco's fourth local office, and will open at the start of next year.
The aim is to support the Danish group's regulatory affairs activities.
Mackenzie will report to Bimco deputy secretary general Lars Robert Pedersen at the head office in Copenhagen.
"Opening an office in London is a logical next step for Bimco," said president Sadan Kaptanoglu.
"To serve our members' interest the best we can, Bimco needs to maintain even closer relations with people, companies and organisations in one of the world’s key shipping hubs."
Presence is vital
The broader intention of the new presence in London is to enhance capacity in the increasingly important policy and regulatory field as the industry grapples with decarbonisation.
Mackenzie, who has a doctorate in oceanography, will ensure a more proactive relationship with the IMO secretariat in London and will contribute to the marine environment team applying her marine scientific knowledge and experience, Bimco said.
"The agenda at the IMO is growing and becoming increasingly complex and political, and it requires more focus and effort to make sure that we always provide the practical input that Bimco is known for," added Pedersen.
The new office is close to the IMO headquarters on the Albert Embankment.
London follows Athens
Bimco opened up in Athens in 2019 and has had offices in Shanghai and Singapore since 2013 and 1996, respectively.
"Having local offices is very important when it comes to engaging with our members and stakeholders," said Michael Lund, Bimco deputy secretary general responsible for membership and business development.
"By being present locally, we ensure that we listen to what concerns and challenges the local shipping community has, and it also enables us to develop the contracts, clauses, digital services and other tools that are relevant to them."
A fifth local office is already under consideration, Bimco said, without revealing its likely whereabouts.
