UK Chamber of Shipping announces Karrie Trauth as new President

The UK Chamber of Shipping has elected Karrie Trauth, Executive Vice President of Shipping & Maritime at Shell plc, as its new President at its Annual General Meeting on 24 March. The AGM also confirmed the election of Donnacha O’Driscoll, Executive Vice President, Maritime & Sustainability at Carnival UK as Vice President.

Trauth succeeds JB Rae Smith, Director John Swire & Sons Private Group Companies, who concluded his two year term after leading the Chamber through a period of global uncertainty and renewed strategic focus for the organisation and wider sector.

In her first remarks as President, Trauth highlighted the strategic importance of the UK’s maritime sector and the need to further strengthen the UK’s competitiveness as a global shipping nation.

“It is an honour—and genuinely humbling—to be elected President of the UK Chamber of Shipping. Our sector is vital to the UK’s prosperity and global stability. At a time of evolving challenges, we must ensure the UK remains one of the most competitive and attractive maritime nations in the world,” she said.

“I am immensely grateful to JB Rae Smith for setting us on an excellent heading for the challenges we face, and I look forward to working closely with our new Vice President, Donnacha O’Driscoll, whose experience and leadership will be invaluable as we champion competitiveness and collaborate with government to enable growth, resilience, and innovation across the industry.”

Industry leadership and global experience

Trauth brings more than 30 years of experience across the shipping, maritime, and energy sectors. She was appointed Executive Vice President of Shipping & Maritime at Shell in June 2025, having previously served as Senior Vice President of the business.

Reflecting on her position as only the second woman to serve as President in the Chamber’s nearly 150‑year history, Trauth added:

“I want to widen the pipeline—for women and for men—and inspire young people who may not yet see themselves represented in our industry.”

Beginning her career as a Surface Warfare Officer in the US Navy, Trauth has held roles across ship design, shipyard leadership, technology and innovation, decarbonisation, digitalisation, and maritime safety.

UK Chamber of Shipping CEO Rhett Hatcher welcomed the appointment:

“Karrie brings enormous experience, strategic clarity, and global perspective to the presidency at a time of geopolitical volatility, economic transition and rapid technological change. Her leadership on decarbonisation, innovation, and maritime safety is well recognised across the industry.

We look forward to working closely with her and with Vice President Donnacha O’Driscoll to strengthen the UK’s position as a world‑leading maritime nation.”

Outgoing President JB Rae Smith praised Trauth’s experience and the direction she will bring:

“It has been an honour to serve as President of the UK Chamber of Shipping. Karrie’s election comes at a pivotal time for our industry, and she has the vision, expertise, and determination to lead the Chamber forward. Her commitment to competitiveness, collaboration, and skills will serve our members and the wider maritime community exceptionally well.”

Trauth has emphasised that strong industry and government collaboration will be essential to ensuring the UK remains resilient, competitive, and capable of leading the transition to cleaner, safer and more innovative maritime operations.