The Marshall Islands Quality Council (MIQC) held its spring meeting in Limassol, Cyprus in April 2024. Gathering biannually, the MIQC is a consultative consortium of shipowners, managers, industry experts, and leaders that gather for open dialogue and discussion to enhance Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry operations. MIQC meetings focus on the sharing of information and experiences and raising awareness and knowledge on a diverse range of industry issues. The April 2024 MIQC meeting, hosted by MIQC member Michael McBride, at the offices of Chrysses Demetriades & Co. LLC, included MIQC members, invited guest speakers, and RMI Registry personnel. Rear Admiral (RADM) Kevin S. Cook, United States Coast Guard (Retired) chairs the MIQC.
RADM Cook opened the meeting, with presentations from International Registries, Inc.’s (IRI’s) President Bill Gallagher (Reston); Chief Maritime Officer Simon Bonnett (London); Chief Commercial Officer Theo Xenakoudis (Piraeus); and Vice President, Maritime Brian Green (Fort Lauderdale) covering updates and news on the RMI Registry. This high-level insight set the stage for topical discussions on regulatory updates and outcomes from the International Maritime Organization and port State control trends worldwide. Prabhat Jha, Managing Director, MSC Shipmanagement Cyprus Limited, made a special presentation to the group. Dr. Thilo Dückert, Head of Product Development, OceanScore GmbH presented on the European Union (EU) Emissions Trading System/FuelEU Maritime Regulation.
The meeting concluded with a panel discussion on the situation in the Red Sea moderated by Brian Green, Vice President, Maritime (Fort Lauderdale). Joining the discussion were Captain Lee Stuart, Maritime Liaison Officer, United States Naval Forces Central Command; Russell Pegg, Maritime Security Advisor, Oil Companies International Marine Forum; James Wilkes, Managing Director, Gray Page; and Christos Kottas, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Asset Management.
MIQC meetings provide a platform for information sharing, open discussion, and strengthened relationships between industry stakeholders and the RMI Registry’s team of professionals.
