Experienced tanker manager Mathieu Philippe has been appointed to the new position of commercial director of marine at French classification society Bureau Veritas as it adapts to changing times.
Returning to Paris, the city where he started his career in shipping as a broker with BRS in 1999, Philippe will report to marine and offshore president Matthieu de Tugny.
Bureau Veritas said he brings extensive experience in commercial ship operations, markets and management.
Philippe will lead the marine markets team, providing expertise and technology leadership across all major ship types, ship fuel and propulsion technology.
The new director said classification societies have a growing role to play in compliance requirements and demands for transparency, as maritime stakeholders recognise that the energy transition and governance issues are not only the responsibility of shipowners.
He added that banks, and now charterers, have launched ambitious initiatives and others will become involved.
Vital role to play
"Classification societies are already playing a vital role in the energy transition," Philippe said. "Our contribution can only grow.
"As technical experts, we are a key link between the industry and regulators as well as the broader maritime supply chain to contribute to developing the better energy that shipping needs."
Philippe said Bureau Veritas needs to help ensure that owners see evidence of quantifiable and demonstrable progress through the use of its data.
"Partnerships beyond shipping will be necessary and, as a group, we are in a position to help create and develop those connections," Philippe said.
Middle East veteran
He began his career with BRS in 1999 before moving to Dubai in 2002, where he headed BRS Middle East until 2010.
A switch to United Arab Chemical Carriers (UACC) followed, where he was senior vice president of commercial and then chief operating officer.
He and his team grew the fleet from eight to 24 MR and LR tankers.
After nearly 15 years in Dubai, Philippe moved to Geneva to lead the shipping operations of Azerbaijan state oil company Socar, focusing on chartering tankers.
Last week, France’s Seaowl Group revealed it has been working with Bureau Veritas to take the initial steps to introduce autonomous shipping to the offshore services sector — but it will be years before its grand vision can be fully realised.
Backed by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), the Paris-based company is developing the prototype of a remotely operated ship powered by battery technology.
