Swift to head Maritime Industry Foundation

Swift to head Maritime Industry Foundation Peter J. Swift has been appointed general manager of the Maritime Industry Foundation, a group that aims to increase the public’s knowledge about the importance of maritime transport and commercial shipping.
   The group was established in 2005 by the “Shipping Roundtable” of four international groups of shipowners: BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO), and the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO).
   The foundation said it “has set itself the exciting challenge of persuading all the diverse but complementary elements of the international maritime industry to work together and contribute to the foundation’s objectives.”
   Swift, who lives in Westport, Conn., has 48 years of experience in the maritime industry. A retired captain, he spent 20 years at sea, with command experience on liquefied natural gas carriers, ore-bulk-oil ships, and Aframax tankers. Ashore he held marine operations and technical management positions with P&O Bulk Shipping Division, Globtik Tankers and Overseas Shipholding Group, both in Europe and in the United States.
   Swift will work from both Westport and the foundation’s office in London.
   A U.K.-registered charity, he said the foundation hopes to expand its membership to include all facets of the shipping industry and support industries including shipyards, finance, and insurance. It is seeking to add both corporate and individual members.
   The foundation has started a Web site (www.maritimefoundation.com ) that will contain a “Maritime Industry Knowledge Center” with features such as a dictionary of shipping terms, a directory of different sectors, a listing of events, and job opportunities.
   The foundation plans to provide scholarship and grant support for students who use the Maritime Industry Knowledge Centre for their studies or research.