Procurement leaders in shipping come together to form new global council

The International Marine Purchasing Association (IMPA) announces recent formation of the Global Maritime Procurement Council (GMPC), an independent group that will see leading procurement heads of department from shipping and ship management companies collaborate on a range of new initiatives. The group is focused on developing progress in the maritime supply chain management arena.

The initial membership council is comprised of a strong group of 10, global ship owners and managers that includes amongst the ranks Axia Maritime, BW LPG, d’Amico Shipping, Fleet Management, Scorpio Ship Management, Synergy Marine Group and Wilhelmsen Ship Management, collectively representing over 3,000 ships and with others expected to join in the coming days.

The group has a clear agenda to drive change through new initiatives in area such as global standards, sustainability, data driven procurement practices and talent and leadership.

Paolo Magonio, Head of Group Procurement and Services at Scorpio Ship Management and acting chair of the group said: “We are a group of like-minded procurement professionals that have joined to form a collaborative forum that will share ideas and work together to create innovation, harmonisation, education and transformation in the global maritime sector”

He added: “Our aim will be to deliver genuine value to ship operating companies and the wider maritime supply chain eco-system.”

The group plans to create workstreams to include council members and other invited industry specialists who will share their time and expertise to create new working practices and standards that will drive improved efficiency.

The group plans to expand its council membership to include further leading shipping companies, with individuals that share in the philosophy of collaboration for change and progress. Whilst creating an open forum within the industry the council has agreed a total commitment to complying with all applicable competition and antitrust laws, protecting the confidentiality of the companies they represent.

The group will be supported by IMPA, who will provide administration and communication services to the GMPC. Meetings and announcements from the group will come via the IMPA association channels including annual events held in London and Singapore.

The first group in person and online meeting will be held at IMPA London, during the association’s flagship event on September 9 and 10. The initial meeting will aim to firm up the agenda for the group and agree key initial workstreams.

Anyone interested in joining the event to learn more about the GMPC agenda is recommended to visit the website impaevents.com and several current council members will be on hand to discuss the group’s plans. Further announcements will follow.