Last week, the Sea Cargo Charter held its fifth annual meeting at Cargill’s offices in Geneva, Switzerland. Signatories gathered a few weeks before the publication of the Sea Cargo Charter’s forthcoming annual disclosure report, scheduled for 12 June.
Throughout the day, signatories met in person to endorse key topics related to the association’s operations—such as budget and governance—and to explore ways the Sea Cargo Charter can expand knowledge-sharing opportunities among its members. The afternoon focused specifically on knowledge sharing and learning, with signatories exchanging best practices on how shipowners and charterers can collaborate to improve operational efficiency. There were also two external presentations by the Getting to Zero Coalition on their Action Framework and Pilot Mapping, as well as an engaging discussion on the latest outcomes of MEPC 83.
The signatories also joined forces to elect new members to the Association’s Steering Committee. Eman Abdalla, Vice President Global Operations & Supply Chain Lead, Cargill Ocean Transportation was elected as the new Chair of the Association, while Engebret Dahm, CEO of Klaveness Combination Carriers was elected Vice Chair and Kartik Kathavate, Head of Fuel Optimisation, Mærsk Tankers as Treasurer.
“Stepping into the role of Chair at this pivotal new chapter is both an honour and a responsibility,” said Eman Abdalla, Global Operations Vice President, Cargill Ocean Transportation and Sea Cargo Charter Chair. “At a time when credible, climate-aligned action is no longer optional, the Sea Cargo Charter is evolving into a leadership platform — driving transparency, accountability, and real climate impact across global shipping. Together, we can steer the industry toward a more sustainable future.”
“As the new Vice Chair, I see the Sea Cargo Charter not just as a framework for emissions reporting — but as a catalyst for change. In an industry as global and complex as ours, aligning commercial decisions with climate ambition is no small task,” said Engebret Dahm, CEO of Klaveness Combination Carriers and Sea Cargo Charter Vice Chair. “But that’s precisely where the Sea Cargo Charter can lead: by promoting and developing ways to make climate accountability a core part of how we operate, measure, and improve.”
“I am delighted to take on a leadership role as Treasurer of the Sea Cargo Charter,” said Kartik Kathavate, Head of Fuel Optimisation, Mærsk Tankers and Sea Cargo Charter Treasurer. “The Charter plays a vital role in driving transparency in reporting across the maritime sector— turning data into action and ambition into measurable progress. I look forward to supporting our continued efforts to strengthen climate alignment and empower industry players to make informed, climate-conscious decisions.”
The Sea Cargo Charter Steering Committee is now composed of 16 members: ADM, Anglo American, Bunge, Cargill Ocean Transportation, Chevron, Copenhagen Commercial Platform, Dow, Emirates Global Aluminium, Equinor, Klaveness Combination Carriers, Louis Dreyfus Company, Mærsk Tankers, Norden, Shell, TotalEnergies, Trafigura Maritime Logistics. More information about the Steering Committee is available here.
Congratulations to Rasmus Bach (Trafigura Maritime Logistics) for the past mandates as Vice Chair and Chair and dedication to advance the initiative along with its signatories. Thank you also to Justine Clark (Shell) for her contributions to the Association as Treasurer.