Seatrade Maritime: Scorpio and BW LPG among shipping procurement group founders

An independent group of procurement leaders has announced the formation of the Global Maritime Procurement Council (GMPC), an organisation aiming to collaborate on initiatives to bring about improvements in the maritime supply chain space.

GMPC’s initial membership counts several prominent names in shipping, including Axia Maritime, BW LPG, d’Amico Shipping, Fleet Management, Scorpio Ship Management, Synergy Marine Group and Wilhelmsen Ship Management. The group said its membership represents over 3,000 ships, and further members are expected to join in the coming days.

The procurement professionals from shipping companies and ship managers will launch initiatives in areas such as global standards, sustainability, data driven procurement practices, and talent and leadership.

Paolo Magonio, head of group procurement and services at Scorpio Ship Management and acting chair of the group said: “We are a group of like-minded procurement professionals that have joined to form a collaborative forum that will share ideas and work together to create innovation, harmonisation, education and transformation in the global maritime sector.

“Our aim will be to deliver genuine value to ship operating companies and the wider maritime supply chain eco-system”

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As well as leveraging the expertise of its membership, the group said it plans to invite industry experts to their workstreams to help develop new working practices and standards to drive efficiency.

The group said it plans to expand its membership while complying with competition and antirust laws, as well as maintaining confidentiality of the companies they represent.

The International Marine Purchasing Association (IMPA) will provide administration and communication services to the GMPC, and the first council meeting will take place at IMPA London where the group will work on its agenda and key initial workstreams.