At their Annual Meeting, Intercargo members endorsed the planned succession of Secretary General from Roger Holt to Rob Lomas with effect from today's meeting, with Mr Holt staying on for a further year as Consultant Director to promote Intercargo and its Work Program.

Speaking at the meeting, Nicky Pappadakis, Intercargo's Chairman, said

'We thank Roger for his unstinting efforts in leading the association to a position of strength. Having heard of his plans in March 2008, the Management Committee was pleased to note that the Association would still benefit from his expertise for a further year until October 2009.'

Rob Lomas said, 'I am delighted to accept the endorsement of Intercargo's Board and Membership for this move. An organization which was somewhat devoid of ideas, strategy and members ten years ago has been transformed through the support of successive Chairmen and members to become a well-respected partner within the Round Table of international maritime associations. Whatever challenges there may be for the dry bulk sector in the coming years, it is comforting to know that membership support for a safe, efficient, environmentally friendly and profitable, dry-bulk sector, remains as strong as ever.'

Roger Holt said, "I am very pleased that Rob has accepted the challenge of moving Intercargo forward to the next phase of its development and I have every confidence that he will do a great job. I am very grateful that I have been fully supported during my tenure by excellent Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and a dedicated Secretariat. The last nine years has been a period of unparalleled change and quality bulk carrier owners plus operators will need to remain focused on the important issues which will confront them in the future."