Former Chairman Mr Steve Jellis of Svitzer Marine has become Chairman and Mr Mike Tyrrell, Operations Director for Serco Denholm Ltd is now Vice Chairman.

In taking up their new appointments they are both committed to raising further the profile of the BTA and the importance of port towage already begun under the leadership of outgoing Chairman Mr Ken Marshall of Adsteam.

The organisation recognises an even greater need to influence policymakers and regulators in the UK and the European Union and is determined to build on its past record as an effective defender of the towage industry's interests in a more proactive manner.

Following his election, Steve Jellis commented, 'I feel deeply honoured to have been elected to the leadership of the British Tugowners Association. The industry remains determined, despite many challenges, to continue to meet the exacting demands of its customers and to ensure the safety of its tug crews and vessels. There is a definite feeling that politicians and administrators in both Whitehall and Brussels fail to appreciate the important role that the port towage industry plays as part of the wider maritime sector.'

At its 41st AGM in Turkey, in May, members of the European Tugowners Association (ETA) decided to open up membership to include Associate and Affiliate Members. Following the recent example of the International Salvage Union, the Executive Committee of the ETA has responded to increasing interest shown by other related sectors of the maritime industry. Shipbuilders, machinery manufacturers and other industry players are keen to be better informed about the ETA's developing proactive presence within other shipping organisations and regulatory institutions at EU level.

The ETA meeting was hosted in Istanbul by its Turkish member Med Marine Towage and Escort Services Ltd. On his re-election as Chairman of the Association Mr Gianni A de Domenico of Rimorchiatori Napoletani Srl, reported on the increased recognition of the ETA by the European Institutions and Agencies. He said that: 'The ETA had been called upon to make significant contributions to the opinion making process with respect to a wide spread of topics, ranging from the introduction of more transparent and competitive market conditions to safety and security related matters.'

Full membership to the ETA is open to all companies, authorities or other bodies, owning or operating tugs or tenders in the ports of Europe. ETA membership currently comprises 75 members in 17 European countries, owning or operating a total of approximately 600 tugs.