For the third instalment of our coalition partner spotlight series we spoke to Kostas Gkonis, Director / Secretary General of INTERCARGO.
Discussing how Together in Safety’s mission and values align directly with INTERCARGO’s, Kostas shares the reasons why the company joined the coalition, outlines why shipping companies and other organisations should get involved, and highlights how he feels sustainable progress can be made across the sector where safer practices are concerned.
When did you join the coalition and why?
INTERCARGO has been a proud supporter of Together in Safety since its inception. The coalition's objective of making a lasting improvement to safety performance across the global shipping industry is fully aligned with our own mission and values.
We joined because we strongly believe that safety is a shared responsibility that extends beyond individual companies and sectors. Together in Safety brings organisations across the maritime industry together around a common purpose: preventing fatalities, serious injuries, environmental harm and major asset damage, while strengthening safety culture and care for seafarers.
For INTERCARGO, supporting such collaborative initiatives is a natural extension of our commitment to raising standards and promoting practical solutions that deliver measurable improvements in safety and operational excellence.
Why should other companies get involved in Together in Safety?
Because no single organisation can improve industry-wide safety on its own.
Together in Safety provides a unique platform where companies and organisations from across the maritime sector can access proven best practices that are practical, easy to implement and freely available. The coalition also provides a platform for organisations to share knowledge and learn from one another.
Participation demonstrates a genuine commitment to protecting people, strengthening safety culture and improving operational performance. It helps companies move beyond compliance and focus on preventing the repeat incidents that continue to affect our industry.
Most importantly, getting involved sends a clear message that safety and care for seafarers remain a top priority. By working together, we can accelerate learning, share successful approaches and make a meaningful difference to the safety performance of the entire maritime industry. As Together in Safety rightly recognises, safer shipping should be open to all.
And finally, can you tell us a little bit about INTERCARGO and your services?
INTERCARGO is the international association representing quality dry bulk shipowners, operators and managers worldwide, bringing them together with service providers and the entire spectrum of companies engaged in, or having, an interest in dry bulk shipping.
Our mission is to unite and promote quality dry bulk shipping through collaboration, advancing the highest standards of safety, operational excellence, environmental stewardship and sustainability across the sector.
We provide leadership, advocacy and practical support to our members while working closely with regulators, industry stakeholders and the wider maritime community. At the heart of our work is a commitment to safer ships, safer operations and, most importantly, the safety and wellbeing of seafarers. We believe that sustainable progress can only be achieved through collaboration and the sharing of best practices across the industry.
Further coalition member insights
As part of our spotlight series, we’ve also spoken to Graham Westgarth, non-executive director at V.Group and founding member of Together in Safety, and William Nugent, SVP Chief Technical and Sustainability Officer at International Seaways, Inc.
You can read the piece with Graham here, and take a look at the article with William here.
