Founded during the recent meeting of the IHMA at their 4th biennial Congress in Bremen, the EHMC will bring new impetus to a number of European initiatives started under the EHMA name. These include supportive participation in the large EU research projects EMBARC and MARNIS, which cover many aspects of the role of the Harbour Master.

Continuity during the changeover to the new organisation has been enhanced through the retention of Captain Jaap Lems, Chief Harbour Master of the Port of Rotterdam, who served as both final president of the EHMA and is now first Chairman of the new Committee.

Commenting on the formation of the EHMC, Captain Lems said, 'The establishment of the EHMC, and the new Constitution under which it may now more appropriately and semi-autonomously work within the IHMA, provides a great opportunity for the wealth of knowledge and experience contained within our European membership to be brought to European maritime issues.'

'Our members represent ports large and small, publicly and privately owned, handling every type of vessel category and cargo commodity, and presenting every navigation and maritime challenge to the safe movement of ships, he continued.

'With this depth and breadth of professional expertise, we can provide a genuine contribution to the development of European policies and operational practices in the maritime and port sectors.

Additionally, we are able to offer a recognisable resource of qualified knowledge to those planning, developing or managing operations in the broader maritime arena.'

MJ Information No: 19934