AUSTRALIA’S peak shipping association has announced that deputy CEO Melwyn Noronha will step up to the role of CEO, effective 1 January 2021. He takes over the position from Rod Nairn AM, who led the organisation from 2013 to 2020.
Shipping Australia Limited chairman Scott Henderson said Mr Noronha was selected after an extensive review and selection process.
“Melwyn is an outstanding choice and has a wealth of experience in shipping, both at sea and in regulatory roles. He has been with Shipping Australia Limited since 2015, initially as a general manager, technical services and industry policy and later as deputy CEO.
“He has thoroughly demonstrated his extensive knowledge of the industry and his ability to liaise and influence at the highest levels,” Mr Henderson said.
Before joining Shipping Australia, Captain Melwyn Noronha served at sea and gained his Master Mariner qualification at the Australian Maritime College. He sailed internationally as a master of bulk carriers before moving ashore into maritime administrative and regulatory roles in federal and state governments.
“This appointment of Shipping Australia’s third CEO as the company celebrates its 20th anniversary and moves into its third decade is an important one, Mr Henderson said.
“The Board is looking forward to working with Melwyn to ensure Shipping Australia continues to deliver on its objectives to promote an efficient and sustainable international shipping industry.
“It will be a challenging time as the industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and takes on the drive to improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases to meet the IMO’s targets.”
Commenting on the appointment, Mr Noronha said he was honoured and excited to be appointed to the role.
“Shipping holds a special place for me and is crucial to Australia’s economic prosperity,” he said.
“The Board has put their trust in me, and I will do my utmost to deliver the best outcomes for our members and for Australia.”
Mr Henderson said, “I would like to thank Rod for his outstanding leadership and dedicated service over the past eight years. He has had a big impact on the company, modernising its culture, strategy and administration, and expanding its relevance to fully represent the interests of all sectors of international commercial shipping”.
