Dear Baltic Exchange Members,
 

As you may be aware, I will be stepping down as Chairman at the end of this year and, although it is incredibly sad to step away for this role, I am honoured to have been able to represent all of our members around the world over the past two years. It has been wonderful to learn so much about the incredible and important work of our members, and to meet so many fascinating people at a number of engagements on behalf of Baltic Exchange.
 

What has been so fulfilling has been learning more about the challenges our industry has faced and continues to grapple with.   Geopolitical conflicts are changing how our vessels are routed, while tightening emissions regulations mean our members are facing tough choices as they look to navigate an increasingly complex world. 2024 has been yet another fascinating year for the shipping world and one that has brought much hope for a more prosperous maritime industry.
 

Despite the challenges, it has been heartening to see the Baltic Exchange continue to play a vital role in our industry. From providing key benchmarking data to offering new services and platforms that keep the shipping sector informed, such as our Emissions Calculators and newly launched Know-Your-Customer platform, the Baltic truly continues at the heart of the international shipping industry.
 

Crucially, this is also down to our wonderful, dedicated and growing membership, all of whom have made my time as Chairman such a fantastic experience. In shipping, it is the people that make this industry so unique, and the Baltic’s membership truly exemplifies that spirit.
 

In closing, I would like to wish my successor – Guy Hindley from Howe Robinson, who has been a part of the Baltic Exchange Council since 2019 – all the best in his new role. I hope you give him the same support and experience that you all so graciously offered myself. I wish you all a safe and peaceful seasonal holiday and a healthy and prosperous new year ahead.
 

Lord Jeffrey Mountevans