Maritime supporters establish new trade association

The Association of Bulk Terminal Operators has been formed by a group of individuals with maritime backgrounds to represent the interests of bulk terminal operators around the world.    A group of individuals with maritime backgrounds have established a trade association to represent the interests of bulk terminal operators around the world and is seeking members. The organizers, however, are outsiders who do not have any grassroots members at the moment.
   Membership to the Association of Bulk Terminal Operators (ABTO) is open to terminals, equipment suppliers and service providers such as vessel operators. Annual dues are 100 pounds (U.S. $129) for full members, 1,250 pounds for associate members and 500 pounds for affiliate members, according to the group’s website.
   Management of ABTO will be carried out by Maritime AMC, a limited company established by Chief Executive Ian Adams (CE), Bill Robinson, Simon Gutteridge and Patrik Wheater.
   “We have launched the Association today and will now proactively look to develop a membership base,” Wheater said in an e-mail response to questions.
   The ABTO’s mission is to offer a united voice for bulk terminal operators before national governments and international regulatory organizations, as well in discussions with shippers and shipowners.
   The trade organization will deal with technical, commercial, environmental and market issues affecting bulk terminal operations and transport of commodities.
   “This structure recognizes that in these modern times trade association members do not have the time to devote hours or even days to raise issues at a higher level or to influence decision making. We hope to cooperate more fully with all industry organizations, including those representing ship owners/operators, specialist terminal operators and other groups with an interest in the bulk trades to ensure that our members’ voices are heard at national and inter-governmental levels,” Adams said.
   Adams is the former chief executive officer of the International Bunker Industry Association and the Dry Bulk Terminals Group.