The Marshall Islands Quality Council (MIQC) held its end of the year meeting in London in December 2024. Gathering biannually, the MIQC is a consultative consortium of shipowners, managers, industry experts, and leaders that gather for open dialogue and discussion to strengthen the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry. MIQC meetings focus on the sharing of information and experiences and raising awareness and knowledge on a diverse range of industry issues. The December 2024 MIQC meeting included members, invited guest speakers, and RMI Registry personnel. Rear Admiral (RADM) Kevin S. Cook, United States (US) Coast Guard (Retired) chairs the MIQC.
RADM Cook opened the meeting, with presentations from President Bill Gallagher (Reston); Chief Commercial Officer Theo Xenakoudis (Piraeus); and other senior leaders covering updates and news on the RMI Registry. The meeting continued with a presentation from Fred Kenney, Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) Special Envoy- London followed by a focus session on Maritime Security with Vice President, Maritime Security, Evan Curt; Vice President, Maritime, Brian Green; and US Navy Central Command Maritime Liaison Officer Captain Lee Stuart. Timothèe Noël, Maritime Team Leader, European Commission for Climate Action made a special presentation on emissions trading to the group. Erik Hjortland, Vice President, Technology, Odfjell Ship Management, presented a shipowner’s perspective on decarbonization, while Dr. Grahaeme Henderson OBE FREng, Former President of Shipping, Shell, presented on safety. The meeting also included an update on activities at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
MIQC meetings provide a platform for information sharing and open discussion while also strengthening relationships between industry stakeholders and the RMI Registry’s team of professionals.
