ICOMIA Update July/August 2021 The ICOMIA Update is a member bulletin, please share with your colleagues and members. Dear members, While the holiday season is in full swing in the northern hemisphere, many were looking forward to what was expected to be an exciting upcoming show season. As of the date of writing this note (18 August) there are however three shows planned to be held in September that have been cancelled. While the industry is riding on a high and seemingly only limited by supply chain bottlenecks, shows are much needed in lead generation. It is disturbing to watch this happening, which in part is down to ongoing lack of clarity in dealing with the pandemic by authorities, moreover frustrating for our member MIAs, exhibitors and visitors committing time and funds towards their show participation, and confirms voices stating Covid will continue to make life and business unpredictable for the time being. That said, we are working with RAI Amsterdam over clarifications for METSTRADE in November. Of course, there will be also our own World Marinas Conference in Dubai hosted by our member Leisure Marine Association MENA. As far as the requirements for events in Dubai are concerned, we are certain that this event will go ahead and looking forward to meet again with members who are able to travel to Dubai. An update on WMC follows this introduction, please pass on the information within your membership. Everyone on the Organising Committee and speaker panel is looking forward to 3 days packed with information and in particular connecting again in person. On this occasion, it is for us to announce a major change at the ICOMIA Secretariat. Albert Willemsen will retire at the beginning of October after more than 15 years of work with ICOMIA as Environment Consultant. In this process, we are taking the opportunity to rename the position to “Head of Sustainability” and are delighted to announce the appointment of Julian Hunter as his successor. A few words below to summarise key achievements of Albert, and to introduce Julian. Albert brought a wealth of knowledge to ICOMIA, culminating a career that began as an aerospace engineer, working for HISWA where he first was introduced to ICOMIA and co-founded the then-named ICOMIA Environment Committee. After running a commercial shipyard, his career concluded working for more than a decade with ICOMIA as Environment Consultant, appreciated and respected for his human and professional approach, and encyclopedic knowledge of the industry and legislation. Albert’s contribution to ICOMIA has been invaluable. Key milestones include commercial partnerships and the formation of our Applicators and Refit Groups, as well as the Chemicals Group which currently is in process of inception. Albert’s final public engagement with ICOMIA will be at our meetings during Monaco Yacht Show. Following his retirement we expect him to be at METSTRADE to wish him all the best and goodbye in person. Dr. Julian Hunter is a biologist by education and spent more than three decades working for AkzoNobel, including twenty years in the marine, protective and pleasure craft businesses. During his time with AkzoNobel Julian was integrally involved in co-ordination and enactment of their product safety and sustainability strategy. He is well connected in the marine leisure sector, and played a role in the paint and chemicals industries' advocacy work at IMO and in EU stakeholder groups as part of chemical and coatings associations, including the European Paint Manufacturers Association – CEPE and the World Coatings Council (WCC). Going ahead, Julian will work with our members and the secretariat on the continuation of our sustainability agenda, that is highlighting the needs of the marine leisure sector in times where there is growing weight on sustainability. Part of Julian’s familiarisation with the role will be to meet with key personalities of ICOMIA and attend our meetings taking place during METSTRADE this autumn. Kind regards,
Udo Kleinitz
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