Addressing the keynote session of the Senior Maritime Forum during the Marintec China conference last week, Dimitris N. Monioudis, Chairman of the Technical Committee of INTERCARGO, highlighted China’s pivotal position in the dry bulk sector—an industry he described as fundamental to the functioning of the global economy.
Speaking at the event co-organised by Informa Markets and the Shanghai Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (SSNAME), Monioudis emphasised that global demand for essential commodities continues to place China at the centre of dry bulk shipping.
“When the world needs steel, aluminium, grains, minerals or fuel, it turns to the dry bulk fleet,” he told delegates. “That fleet supports the flow of opportunity, the flow of progress and the flow of everyday life. And at the centre of these flows stands China.”
A structural and long-Term relationship
Monioudis underscored that China is not merely a large participant but a decisive force across dry bulk markets.
“China is one of the most influential players in the dry bulk market,” he said. “It is the world’s leading importer of iron ore. It is a central participant in coal and grain markets. It shapes tonne-mile demand. It influences freight cycles. It has a decisive impact on patterns of global economic activity.”
He explained that fluctuations in China’s industrial output, infrastructure investment, or energy mix have immediate and far-reaching effects on global shipping markets. “This relationship is not occasional. It is structural. It is long term. It is central to the way global trade operates.”
Growing INTERCARGO presence in China
The keynote also highlighted the deepening engagement between INTERCARGO and the Chinese maritime community. Monioudis noted that the Association held its first semi-annual meeting in Guangzhou in May 2025, hosted by COSCO Shipping Bulk—an event described as a “significant step” in strengthening cooperation.
“The meeting allowed us to exchange views on safety, emissions, cargo handling and regulatory developments,” he said. “It enabled us to hear directly from our Chinese members about challenges and opportunities in the sector.”
He stressed that deeper engagement in China is critical not only for INTERCARGO but for the long-term sustainability of the global dry bulk sector. China’s leadership spans shipbuilding, ship operations, commodity markets, finance, research and technological innovation—all areas that shape the sector’s evolution.
Regional membership on the rise
Monioudis concluded by pointing to the steady growth of INTERCARGO’s membership across Greater China, North Asia and Singapore. The Association now counts more than 50 members across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Singapore.
“This regional growth is a sign of confidence in INTERCARGO’s work, but it is also a reflection of the region’s central role in global trade,” he noted. “Strengthening our membership base here gives INTERCARGO richer insight, more diverse experience and a stronger platform for constructive engagement.”
He added that the expanded membership will further enable technical dialogue, encourage shared approaches and widen participation in the committees and working groups that shape the sector.
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Source: SMI
