Page 46: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (September 2017)

Passenger Vessels

Interferry Mission: Strength from Unity

Interferry CEO Mike Corrigan explains the Stronger Together vision behind the trade association’s drive to extend its networking and lobbying in? uence.

Over the past four decades, Interferry’s In more recent times, we have built on of working together has been equally long before becoming CEO in April after reach and purpose has evolved with in- this background to become established demonstrated by our lobbying success at 14 years in leadership positions with BC creasing effect from its U.S. origins in as a major player on the political and the International Maritime Organization Ferries in my native Canada, the last ? ve 1976. Back then, it was formed as the regulatory stage. The strength we draw (IMO) this summer, when we teamed as president and CEO. During this time I

International Marine Transit Association from unity is the essential key to reach- with various other parties to secure cru- was also an Interferry director and trea- with a focus on networking among its ing our networking and lobbying goals. cial changes to proposals that could have surer. As such, I had already experienced members. Now it is highly respected and The bene? t of a platform to network had negative impacts on our members. that a close-knit team was our most criti- in? uential as the only body representing with industry peers is underlined year In 2003 Interferry won consultative cal resource in attaining successful out- the ferry industry worldwide. The name after year at our annual conference, status at the IMO – enabling us to in- comes. Now it is my privilege to be at and scope may have changed, but one which is recognized as the ferry sector’s tervene on regulatory discussions - and Interferry’s helm as we set course for thing above all has remained constant in preeminent forum. In October our 42nd in 2012 we strengthened this activity by new landmarks and work together to ac- driving its development – the power of event takes place in Split, Croatia, where opening an of? ce for IMO and European complish what one company cannot on working together. several hundred high ranking delegates Union affairs in Brussels. These activi- its own.

The original vision of sharing knowl- from around the world – members and ties are directed by an elected board and This guiding principle is vital in help- edge and ideas remains a prime attraction non-members alike – will gather to talk, supported by expert committees that are ing our members to take advantage of for our diverse membership, which cur- listen and learn on the three main themes likewise composed from senior person- opportunities and overcome challenges rently numbers more than 200 operators of ship technologies, safety and the cus- nel in our membership. because the ferry sector cannot claim and suppliers of all sizes in 37 countries. tomer experience. Meanwhile the value I knew and was inspired by the set-up to be the biggest in shipping and trans-

Photo Credit: Jadrolinija; Inset Photo Credit: John Nedwidek / Interferry 46 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • SEPTEMBER 2017

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