New container association will work with other industry bodies

New container association will work with other industry bodies    The Container Owners Association, an association of shipping lines, container lessors and other organizations involved in the operation of containers, said it will contact a number of international shipping and container organizations with the aim of developing a cooperative working dialog.
   These will include contacts with the Institute for International Container Lessors, the International Chamber of Shipping, the World Shipping Council, the International Standards Organization and Bureau International des Conteneurs (International Bureau of Containers).
   Formed in November as a bridge between container shipping lines and container lessors, the Container Owners Association has formed five working groups dealing with the following areas: quality management, equipment interchange, standard specification, inspection standards, and new materials. The association plans to produce its first reports by the end of March.
   The Container Owners Association has elected Michael Callus, vice president, containers at United Arab Shipping Co, as the association’s first chairman. He will promote the association’s activities and membership to container owners worldwide. He will also be the association’s principal contact point for communication with other global shipping and container organizations.
   The association has also elected Mark Wilkinson, executive vice president of Capital Lease, as its deputy chairman.