Luncheon Seminar in Vancouver
On this September 19th ICS Canada organised luncheon seminar ” Container Shipping: Size Does Matter” in Vancouver, BC. Mr. Trevan Rose, Commercial Director at Seaspan, held great presentation on challenges experienced by the container trades, effect of the Panama Canal expansion and vessel capacity increase on the tariffs and rates. Event was attended by 29 guests.
WISTA-CMLA-ICS celebrate end-of-summer drinks in Ottawa
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Canada Branch, Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Canada and the Canadian Maritime Law Association (CMLA) co-hosted an end-of-summer cocktail in Ottawa on September 19th 2018.
The event was held at Common Eatery, a very spacious and bright restaurant/bar on Elgin St in Downtown Ottawa, on a very pleasant afternoon. A total of 25 people attended with great representation from Transport Canada, Dept of Fisheries & Oceans, Ship Source Oil Pollution Fund, Federal Fleet Service and Canadian International Bureau of Shipping. Everyone mingled well and had a great time and quite a few stayed late!
This was ICS’ first event in Ottawa. A big thanks to WISTA and CMLA for approaching us to co-host and to everyone who attended and making the event a success. Looking forward to our next event in Ottawa!
ICS Canada Open Day September 12, 2018
Vancouver
The ICS Open day in Canada continues to be a real success. We continue to see attendance not in quantity, but in quality. As with last year, we look forward to helping attending students to connect to the industry and enroll to become ICS students.
As in previous years we held the ICS Open Day in the BC COS Boardroom and laid out brochures and material for mental stimulation and some snacks and drinks for sustenance.
We had two attendees from a local grain trading house that were looking to expand their shipping knowledge base. They arrived early and stayed for nearly two hours, chatting and asking a variety of questions on the benefits of the ICS and the relevance of the exams to their career goals. They were very interested in enrolling as students and both left the Open day advising they will take the Foundation Diploma in the April 2019 exam session. We will follow up accordingly.
Both prospective students were also very interested in attending the ICS Dry Bulk and Commodities conference and we will ensure they will also have the opportunity to participate in that also.
Montreal
ICS Open Days were held in Montreal at the offices of two major ship operators, Rio Tinto Marine on September 12th and Fednav International Limited on September 18th. Presentations were given on the background and activities of ICS, on the various qualifications and methods of study available and details such as cost, duration, etc. Eight staff from each company attended. Everyone seemed to appreciate having the presentation delivered at their office!
ICS Canada Branch Annual General Meeting
ICS Canada Branch held annual meeting on June 21st, 2018. Board of Directors presented Annual Chair Report, Financial Report, budget for the next fiscal year, Membership Report, Website Report. Members were updated on the work completed during reporting period. It was noted that Branch is in good financial position, showing healthy profit for the past fiscal year. There was further grow of the Branch Membership in the last year. At the end of meeting Members elected new Board of Directors.
Board of Directors
Chair Report - Page 1
Chair Report - Page 2
Following Annual General Meeting, held in Vancouver BC on June 21st, ICS Canada
Branch hosted Annual Summer Pub Night in the Mahony and Sons.
ICS lunch talk: Economic Analysis of Bulk Shipping Market
ICS Canada held a lunch talk in Montreal on May 24th 2018. The topic was “Maritime Trade & the World Economy” and we were honoured to have Professor Theodore Papageorgiou from the Economics Department at McGill University as our speaker. The presentation was based on his recent academic paper “Geography, Search Frictions & Endogenous Trade Costs”. We were extremely happy to also have one of paper’s co-authors, Professor Myrto Kalouptsidis from the Department of Economics at Harvard University, on hand to provide additional insight and help answer questions.
In his presentation, Prof Papageorgiou gave a very clear and enjoyable explanation of some of his recent research on dry bulk shipping markets. He started by making observations of patterns in ship movement and ship contract data. He then built a theoretical economic model that captured the behaviour of both shipowners and charterers and in doing so, he incorporated both the geographic interdependence within the entire global network of countries as well as the challenges in the ship-cargo matching process in determining trade costs and trade flows. The model was then applied to show the impact of various events (improvements in ship efficiency, a slowdown in China’s economy, the opening of the Northwest Passage, reduced search frictions) on world trade patterns.
The presentation was well attended including major ship operators Fednav, Canfornav & Canada Steamship Lines, shipbrokers Summit Maritime and Gibsons and the Port of Montreal and the presentation gave rise to many questions and comments. In the end, it is believed that everyone who attended the talk came away with a much greater appreciation for the economic analysis of shipping markets, the complexities involved but also the insights it can provide!
A copy of the academic paper on which Prof Papageorgiou’s presentation was based is available here:
Reviews of some of the issues raised in the paper are available here:
– Quartz
– Fraser Forum
ICS Canada thanks the speakers and participants for making the event a success! As with all our lunch talks, we hope to provide an opportunity to network and learn over a enjoyable lunch. As always, we are grateful to the Shipping Federation of Canada for allowing us to use their boardroom and for their support.
“Fish & Ships” repeats as YOS-ICS shipping pub quiz champs
After a successful debut last year, ICS and Youth of Shipping held their 2nd annual Shipping Pub Quiz on May 17th 2018 at McLean’s Pub in Downtown Montreal!
ICS holds open day in Montreal
ICS Canada held an “open day” in Montreal on January 25th 2018. This was part of a regular global effort by ICS to reach out to prospective students and included events in over 25 locations all over the world. Two events were held in Montreal, one during the day to Transport & Logistics students at Champlain College, St Lambert Campus and one in the evening for the public at the office of the Shipping Federation of Canada.
A presentation was given on why students might consider a shipping career to begin with, followed by a discussion of why they might consider studying with ICS, the types of qualifications and the methods of study offered and various issues such as cost, duration, resources and support. Students were also guided through the ICS website, shown samples of ICS textbooks and past exams and provided with “Studying with ICS” brochures. The newly launched WISTA-ICS scholarships for members of the WISTA (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association) were also mentioned!
ICS Canada Branch wishes to thank Champlain College and the Shipping Federation of Canada for hosting these events. For those who would have liked to attend but missed it, please look out for the next one. ICS tries to hold these open info nights twice a year. Meantime, prospective students are encouraged to contact ICS Canada Branch should they have any questions.
ICS luncheon talk in Montreal examines letters undertaking & bunkering litigation
ICS held a lunch talk in Montreal on November 22nd 2017. Two fascinating presentations were given: “Letters of Undertaking in Marine Transportation” by David Colford and “Bunker Litigation: The Teachings of OW Bunkers Demise – An Update”. Papers are available in the ICS Library.
ICS wishes to thank the speakers and attendees as well as the Canadian Maritime Law Association (CMLA) which has applied Continuous Legal Education (CLE) points for the lawyers attending. As usual, ICS also thanks the Shipping Federation of Canada for the use of their boardroom and great assistance.
ICS & WISTA close 2017 with holiday drinks!
Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Canada Branch and Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Canada jointly hosted Holiday Drinks in Montreal on December 19th 2017.
About two dozen marine industry professionals and students came down to the Irish Embassy Pub & Grill for a good time among friends and to bring 2017 to a close.
ICS would like to thank the Montreal maritime community for their continuous strong support of ICS whether through lunch talks for fellow professionals, exam prep sessions for students or joining our networking events.
This event also capped a year of strong co-operation between ICS and WISTA.
At the international level, ICS & WISTA established a scholarship program in June 2017
ICS – WISTA scholarship recipients were announced in August 2017:
http://www.wista.net/en/news/news/news_id,2586/wista—ics-scholarship-2017-2018
And at a local level ICS Canada Branch and WISTA Canada (along with the Canadian Maritime Law Association) co-hosted Summer Drinks in Montreal.
http://oldics.ics-canada.ca/2017/09/07/ics-wista-cmla-host-summer-drinks-in-montreal/
Special thanks to Jane Chong and Josee Bissonnette of WISTA Canada for approaching ICS Canada Branch to organise the Holiday Drinks and look forward to more great co-operation between our two organisations in 2018!
Fourth Annual Dry Bulk & Commodities Conference in Vancouver
This was the fourth year of ICS Dry Bulk Conference in Vancouver. We are pleased to say, that we were again fully booked out. We had 133 guests attending from a wide range within the industry including cargo Charterers, Owners, Terminal Operators, Agents, Brokers and Consultants. It was great to see the local support as well as guests attending from USWC, East Canada, Chile and our key speaker flying in from Hong Kong. Traditionally, ICS Canada Branch provided sponsorship to the UBC and BCIT Marine Campus Students attending the Conference.
Here is what Ms. Stav Kimhi, student at the UBC Supply Chain Management Club said:
I can’t thank you enough for sponsoring me and other students from the UBC Supply Chain Club to attend the ICS Dry Bulk and Commodities Conference this past Thursday. I learned a lot from the conference and the people I met, and I’m even more interested in and excited about joining this expansive field.
As a student it was a great way to learn about the dry bulk industry and the many parties that make up this tight knit community. It was interesting to learn about how Canada is structuring its ports, infrastructure and transport systems in dealing with the increased demands for dry bulk from overseas, especially on the West Coast. And in meeting and talking with the other attendees, it was great to witness the long lasting relationships that have developed in the industry from around the world.
The ICS will continue to provide interested students the opportunity to attend future events to learn more about the industry and to network.
ICS Canada Branch thanks all our guests for their support as well as our speakers for their time and dedication. We would like also to take the opportunity to thank our sponsors for their continued support to this event.
2017 Christmas Pub Night in Vancouver
Fourth Annual Dry Bulk Conference presented by ICS Canada Branch in Vancouver on November 16th was followed by the traditional Christmas Pub Night. About 100 guests gathered in the Mahony & Sons Irish Pub to talk about Conference, to network and share a drink with friends and business partners. Raffle prize drawing was run to raise funds for the Mission to Seafarers. We congratulate lucky winners of the 50/50 prize, Canucks tickets and Purdy’s Chocolate gift basket. Total CAD $1130 were donated to the Mission at the end of the day.
ICS Canada Branch would like to thank everyone who participated in the Annual Dry Bulk Conference and joined us for the pub night!
ICS Membership
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Canada Branch is always looking for ways to add value to our membership community. Therefore, we are pleased to introduce the Canada Branch Membership List. http://oldics.ics-canada.ca/membership/canadian-members/
What does it mean to be an ICS member? The common understanding is that the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is the only internationally recognized professional body representing shipbrokers, ship managers and agents throughout the world. In practice, ICS membership connects our professional careers with a vast network of highly dedicated maritime professionals of nearly 100 Canada Branch members locally, and more than 4,000 members internationally.
How can we get value from being an ICS member? Networking, field trips and educational sessions have always been a successful and popular way to engage members and non-members alike. Local content that is connected to local professionals and expertise.
But of those that attend, who is qualified as an ICS member? For some time, it has not been clear on who has also shared this ICS journey. Membership should be the heart and soul of our organization, it is the main reason that at the Canada Branch keep active in our communities. And a community is the reason we may have become members in the first place.
The Canada Branch Membership List is another value add to your ICS membership. This list is meant to communicate a members commitment to the ICS community with the goal of creating an ICS community. Privacy is of utmost importance, therefore we are committed to sharing only your name and ICS membership designation.
Should you have questions or concerns, please contact me directly.
Dena Rantz, FICS
Canada Branch Chair
ICS Canada students win ICS awards
ICS Canada is pleased to recognise two award winnners from Canada in the 2016-2017 academic year.
David Williams won the IHS-Fairplay Award for highest marks in “Ship Operations & Management” in the Qualifying Exams and Peter-Paul Wagenborg won the Clarkson Award for highest marks in “Dry Cargo Chartering” in the Foundation Diploma.
David Williams also attended the Institute Prize Giving Ceremony at Trinity House in London, UK on October 20th 2017.
Congratulations from ICS Canada on a job well done!
ICS held Lunch talk on streamlining commercial shipping process
ICS Canada held a lunch talk in Montreal on October 18th 2017. The topic was “Streamlining Commercial Shipping Processes” and we were pleased to have as speaker Praveet Thekkat of Marcura Inc.
In his presentation, Praveet made an interesting case for bulk shipping companies to outsource their administrative tasks such as charterparty checking, laytime calculating and port disbursements to a specialist company. Main arguments involved increased specialisation, greater leverage for discounts, reduced risk and improved transparency through shared technology and information. On the topic of “big data”, the speaker emphasized the importance of focusing on the “relevant data” and the willingness of parties to share information.
ICS Canada thanks our speaker and the audience for an engaging session and, as usual, the Shipping Federation of Canada for providing us with their boardroom for the event!
ICS holds open info night in Vancouver and Montreal
ICS Canada in Vancouver participated in another successful global open night as well on September 26th, 2017. Four prospective students attended this event from UBC (University of British Columbia) from programs such as Supply Chain Management Studies, Freight Forwarding and Marine Engineering. The event was well received and the participants appreciated again the opportunity to learn more about the Institute, specifically how they can benefit and ask any questions about professions within the shipping industry and the maritime field as a whole. We are pleased to share feedback from a participant:“I just wanted to thank you again for a lovely evening at the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers tonight. I definitely learned a lot and am even more excited by the prospect of working in the shipping industry.
I recall you mentioning a few events coming up in November. As I said, I’m very interested in attending and would love to open the opportunity to other students in the Supply Chain Management Club as well.”
From the participants, one person is expected to sign up for the May exams in 2018. The event has also opened up the opportunity to reach out to more students at the University of British Columbia. ICS Canada Branch is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the ICS Global Open Night and looks forward to holding similar events for potential students as well members in the future.
ICS, WISTA & CMLA host summer drinks in Montreal
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Canada Branch, Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Canada and the Canadian Maritime Law Association (CMLA) jointly hosted a summer drinks event on August 22nd 2017 in Montreal.
Over fifty people turned out for a very pleasant evening at Bevo Bar & Pizzeria in Old Montreal. These included maritime industry professionals from all three organisations. It was particularly nice to welcome an enthusiastic group of students from the Transport & Logistics program at Champlain College!
Students would be interested to know that ICS, WISTA and CMLA are all very supportive of maritime education. ICS runs courses and holds exams which lead to certification and membership. WISTA recently announced scholarships for students studying for ICS Foundation Diploma. And CMLA has established the “Professor William Tetley Award” for high-quality educational articles, papers or publications on any topic pertinent to the marine industry.
Special thanks to Vanessa Rochester (WISTA & CMLA) and Jane Chong (WISTA) and Josee Bissonnette (WISTA) for all their help in putting this event together. ICS looks forward to organising more events together!
ICS Canada Branch – 2016/17 Chair Report
It is always fulfilling to report upon a successful year and I’m pleased to say that this year is no different! The Canada Branch plays an important role within our local maritime communities but with an industry still feeling the effects of difficult days, it is more important than ever for our branch to show the value of membership, when and where we can.
I am pleased to report that the Canada Branch is again in excellent financial standing. 2016/17 saw a profit of $16,000; with a balance of more than $44,000. An upcoming change with financial institutions will allow us to further clarify and enhance our internal banking processes. Thanks to Gabriela Klongova and Karl Wang for their continued financial leadership.
The Canada Branch offered November and May examinations in Vancouver and Montreal. This year was supported by an internationally coordinated Education Open night in September and February to inform and engage potential students. Although the outreach saw a small turn out in numbers, it proved to be the quality of students that mattered, with many registering for exams. Montreal continued to support local students with exam study sessions covering topics such as; Port Agency, Ship Sale and Purchase, Dry Cargo Chartering, Legal Principles of Shipping & Shipping Law and Ship Operations & Management… Read full Report here
First ICS & VMAA luncheon talk
Ship Arrest/Maritime Lien
On Wednesday, May 10th , the 1st of a series of 3 luncheon presentations was launched as part of a joint endeavor by the Vancouver Maritime Arbitrators Assoc (VMAA) and the Canada Branch of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS). Held in a new venue at the Waterfront Centre, the room was nearly full with 50 attendees who watched and listened to Gary Wharton, partner at Bernard LLP speak to Ship Arrest / Maritime Liens. Mr. Wharton was followed by John Bromley, partner with Norton, Rose, Fulbright, who brought the issues regarding the HANJIN insolvency into focus, given at least two of it’s ships involvement with B.C. ports of call.
Mr. Wharton jumped right in and explained, in Canada, ship arrest can be a relatively simple, inexpensive and a speedy process in order to obtain security for a claim. Falling under Federal jurisdiction, Canadian maritime law can assist in securing claims for loss of life, injury, loss or damage to goods, salvage, goods or materials supplied to ships, wages, disbursements, dock charges, dues or tolls. The list goes on.
An arrest can be initiated by providing a statement of claim and with the help of your maritime lawyer, obtain a warrant of arrest. Prior to the vessel leaving port, notify the Pilots and Harbour Master what is in store and arrange to board the vessel, serving notice to the Master the ship is under arrest. This normally starts the discussion that needs to take place, addressing the problem that possible security will be needed to cover the claim, so the vessel might continue on her way.
Now having gotten the ship owner’s attention, Mr. Wharton continued, the next step might be to receive a Letter of Understanding (LoU) from an insurer representing the ship, for an agreed amount to cover the claim. If wording of the LoU can be mutually agreed and the funds posted, the vessel might well continue on her voyage. Different types of security are common and might be provided by banks, bail bonds, cash in trust or court as well as the more common LoU from the Owners P and I Club. Rounding out this section he spoke to “caveats” that’s might be used as a way of preventing arrest.
In addition to the process of arrest, another tact might be pursued/ Gary spoke to Sister Ship Arrest as well as Maritime Liens and the types thereof and how they are distinct from simple rights to arrest and the conditions surrounding them.
Wrapping up a colourful but quite succinct 30 minute presentation, he highlighted a key component for Canadian claimants is now addressed within the Canadian Marine Liability Act (sec.139). The Act has been amended so it allows a maritime lien for Canadian “suppliers of necessaries”, against foreign owned ships, similar to rights that their U.S. counterparts have had. Mr. Wharton graciously fielded questions that followed.
Ship Arrest Maritime Liens Presentation
HANJIN Debacle
Like peanut butter and jam or salt and pepper, following Mr. Wharton’s excellent presentation on Ship Arrest/Maritime Liens, Mr. John Bromley, Partner at Norton, Rose, Fulbright really brought home, how the applications of arrest and liens are such a large part of the sad happenings to Mssrs. HANJIN. By virtue of two Hanjin ships (Hanjin Scarlet and Hanjin Vienna) anchored within eyesight of Vancouver shores, the audience was keenly interested to hear Mr. Bromley explain the how and why of liens and arrest. His firm continues to be part of the ongoing Hanjin saga.
Hanjin was no small entity, owning a fleet of different ships, not only container vessels as well as terminals in Korea and five other countries. In September of 2016, both vessels mentioned above were arrested by different parties even though Hanjin, the charterer of the vessels, had filed for protection (in Korea) as they maneuvered to reorganize financially. Ultimately Canadian Provincial and Federal courts got involved, as well as Courts around the world, looking to protect the interests of Hanjin versus shippers, consignees, service providers and necessary suppliers.
As John continued on with the legal saga, it was interesting to hear how commercial minds prevailed in cool maneuvering to allow the ships to be moved, berthed and cargo/containers to be discharged. Monies had to be deposited to cover services such as tugs, lines and pilots, who were simply not willing to act unless there were guaranteed payments. However the sensible act of unloading containers assisted parties in repositioning over 3300 TEU’s that could have been tied up for many more months, potentially voiding cargo sale contracts or spoiling goods. Not everyone was quite as lucky. Head Owners did not receive charter hire payments for several months and ultimately had their ships returned to them. The Hanjin Vienna was sold (slightly below U.S.$ 7.0 million) and a line up of ‘in rem’ claimants are still looking for recovery of money owed. The bank is claiming the Hanjin Scarlet allegedly owes nearly U.S.$ 80 million with respect to a fleet mortgage covering it and two other ships. She’s yet to be sold and certainly her value is not worth 80 million.
Mr. Bromley went on to explain other parties who were left less than whole. Container owners and leasing companies were out of pocket and terminal operators were accruing daily container demurrage charges which might never be paid. With a wry smile, he spoke of a number of shippers/consignees who were willing to pay charges owing on their containers, in order to have them released only to find themselves facing lien charges from Hanjin for previous shipments!
With many in the crowd shaking their heads in disbelief, at what truly is a debacle, Mr. Bromley finished up by saying as recent as March of this year, one of the previous Hanjin vessels sold and renamed, had caveat releases filed by a port authority, a railway and a terminal operator. Security was ultimately posted but not before a week had passed while the vessel sat idle.
Questions filled the last 15 minutes of a most stimulating and incredible set of presentations. The speakers were rewarded with a hearty round of applause and presentation of the I C S’s publication, “QUALITY ASHORE”. Well done gentlemen!
(NOTE: Earlier this month (June 1st) interesting to note, the Hanjin Scarlet was sold by court order for just over U.S.$ 18.0 million.)
Hanjin Insolvency Presentation
WISTA International and Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Sign MOU to support professional Education for Women in the Maritime Industry
June 7, 2017—London, UK—Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA International) and Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (The Institute) are partnering to increase the professional competence and enhance educational opportunities for women in the maritime industry.
In a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed today in London, the two organisations will offer five scholarships annually over the next 10 years to individuals nominated by WISTA International. The scholarship will cover the Foundation Diploma programme at The Institute.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for individuals and companies to enhance the level of education and knowledge in the industry,” said Karin Orsel, president of WISTA International. “We’re very excited to be coordinating with The Institute to make these scholarships available and provide professional development opportunities for female leaders in the maritime industry.”
“The maritime industry is strengthened by the development of a diverse and inclusive workforce,” said Julie Lithgow, director of The Institute. “We’re proud to be working with WISTA International to promote advancement opportunities for women in the maritime industry.”
The goal of the scholarship programme is to provide individuals with deeper knowledge of the maritime industry– the Foundation Diploma is ideal for individuals with maritime experience who are interested in gaining additional practical and commercial skills and knowledge.
In addition to a general shipping component, the diploma allows an individual to select a specialized subject area. These are dry cargo chartering, ship operations and management, ship sale and purchase, tanker chartering, liner trades, port agency, logistics and multimodal transport, port and terminal management, offshore support industry, shipping law, maritime insurance and shipping finance.
The scholarship programme is available to all WISTA members worldwide. Individuals must be nominated by their National WISTA Association by June 23, 2017. The first scholarship cohort will begin their studies in September 2017. For more information on the scholarship programme, please visit www.wista.net.
Media inquiries:
Karin Orsel +31 596 633911 kyorsel@mfgroup.nl
Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou +357 25 569155 Despina.t@satlink.com.cy
Message from Canada Branch Chair
Dear ICS Student,
I am excited to be sending you this note of encouragement as the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers exams are again upon us!
As an organization that uses examination as a path to membership, we have become the known for providing the shipping industry with highly qualified professionals. So as you work through the study guides and prepare using revision with past exams, look forward to the fact that once you have successfully completed your Professional Qualifying Exams you are eligible for membership in an internationally recognised professional body in the commercial maritime arena that represents shipbrokers, ship managers and agents throughout the world.
So good luck to you all as your hard work will be recognized though the success of these exams!
Exam Results will be posted on Thursday, August 10th.
Sincerely,
Dena Rantz
ICS Canada Branch Chair
