A BP shipping executive has taken the helm at the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), an energy industry group focused on shipping safety, as it prepares to roll out its new tanker vetting system.
Lambros Klaoudatos, senior vice president for shipping at the UK-headquartered energy major, is the new chairman of the group.
He replaces Nick Potter, a shipping executive at Shell.
“As we move forward during this time of change, OCIMF’s priorities remain clear and consistent,” Klaoudatos said.
He said the organisation will advocate for and uphold the highest safety standards by implementing Ship Inspection Report Programme 2.0 (Sire 2.0), the vetting system that enters force in September, and by promoting best practices for tankers, barges, offshore installations and terminals.
“Additionally, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and are focused on strengthening and supporting industry efforts towards a net zero shipping future,” he said.
Klaoudatos has 30 years of shipping industry experience, having served in technical, commercial, project management and leadership roles.
A former drillship master who started his career working on passenger vessels, he began working onshore for BP in 2007, rising from superintendent for offshore assurance to take his current job in the Netherlands nearly three years ago.
Potter has been involved with the OCIMF board since 2014 and took the chair in 2022.
Managing director Karen Davis said he has been instrumental in the implementation of the organisation’s new strategy.
Potter said: “Through the dedication of our secretariat, committees and workgroups, we have achieved a huge amount.
“OCIMF’s digitalised vessel inspection programme Sire 2.0 will go live shortly, we have produced best practices and responded to multiple security incidents, increased our environmental focus and grown our cross-industry advocacy, collaboration and thought leadership.”
