As the 83rd meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) of the International Maritime Organization approaches, the Belgian Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association (KBRV) is launching a series of videos that highlight the perspectives of maritime thought leaders from its membership. Kicking off the series is Yvan Vlaminckx, the Managing Director of Fast Lines Belgium.
This family-owned short-sea shipping company enjoys a reputation for providing speedy, secure, and professional services across Europe. Under the leadership of Yvan and his partner Catrien Scheers, Fast Lines has demonstrated a commitment to innovation while maintaining its strong heritage.
Rather than resting on past achievements, Fast Lines has recently engaged in a strategic partnership with SEAFAR, a prominent provider of remote-controlled and unmanned shipping technologies. This collaboration aims to introduce innovative remote monitoring and control solutions for its coastal vessels, reflecting the company’s forward-looking vision.
With the crucial discussions on decarbonizing shipping scheduled for MEPC 83, Yvan is vocal about the industry’s responsibilities. He emphasizes the significant role shipping plays in the global economy, insisting that a concerted effort toward decarbonization is essential.
“To create a global level playing field, there is only one organization that can do that, and that is the IMO,” he asserts during the interview. Yvan’s insight resonates with the broader maritime industry, which is looking toward the IMO for decisive action and leadership in these critical matters when they meet on April 7.