Bulgaria has a robust maritime sector. Shipowners are investing in eco-friendly dry bulk ships, and the ports of Varna and Burgas are pivotal hubs for maritime trade in the Black Sea region.

London: The Bulgarian Shipowners Association (BSA) joins the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) as an Affiliate National Association Member. Meanwhile, the Bulgarian Shipowners Association, established in 2003, aims to support the business activities of its members not only in Bulgaria, but also globally. The association places a strong focus on safe and quality shipping, as well as environmental compliance, and regularly shares international and national best operational practices for shipping in the region.

Bulgaria's maritime sector is robust. 

The maritime sector in Bulgaria is robust, with the BSA's membership allocating funds to eco dry bulk ships. The Port of Varna and the Port of Burgas play a pivotal role as key hubs for maritime trade in the Black Sea Region. This sector also makes a significant contribution to the country’s economy.

Working with the Bulgarian Shipowners 

Thomas A. Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, stated: "It is with great pleasure that we welcome the Bulgarian Shipowners Association to ICS, further strengthening our membership with their knowledge and experience." Our industry faces collective challenges, and it is through dialogue and collaboration that we can find solutions to meet them head-on. We are currently operating in a very volatile and uncertain environment, and I look forward to working with the Bulgarian Shipowners.” 

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 Today's topic is the transition to zero carbon emissions.

BSA Representative Captain Aleksandar Kalchev added: "We really hope that by being a member we will be able to help the International Chamber of Shipping understand the problems of the maritime industry even better. In this era of geopolitical uncertainty, the entire maritime sector must unite, as the challenges we face are numerous and complex. Today's topic is the transition to zero carbon emissions, which cannot be postponed. Decisions must be taken today, and must be both urgent and reasonable, because the shipping sector must be confident that the investments it makes will be repaid and will lead to a real reduction in the harmful emissions caused by its activity. I believe that BSA members invest wisely in new, modern ships, and that it will be mutually beneficial to share their knowledge and experience.”

About ICS

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal global trade association for merchant shipowners and operators, representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world’s merchant fleet .

About BSA

The Bulgarian Shipowners Association (BSA), is a legal entity, registered according to the Bulgarian Law. The Association was established on 30.09.2003 in the city of Varna by eight private shipowners, being legal entities. The total deadweight of BSA members’ owned fleet is over 1.6 million DWT. BSA is a voluntary non-profit association for assistance, encouragement, representation and protection of the interests of its members; it cooperates for the development of the national and international maritime economic collaboration and for recognition of the spirit of respectability in the Bulgarian maritime business. 

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# Bulgarian Shipowners Association #ICS #Thomas A. Kazakos #Captain Aleksandar Kalchev # Affiliate Member #Port of Burgas # Port of Varna