The Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association (KBRV) has announced a change in leadership, with Loïc Van Staey appointed as its new managing director.

He succeeds Wilfried Lemmens, who held the position for over a decade at the association, which counts almost all shipowners operating vessels under the Belgian flag.

Van Staey joined KBRV in November of last year as a taxation and security advisor. His background includes roles as a tax consultant with a Big Four accounting firm and policy advisor positions within the Union of Independent Entrepreneurs and the offices of several Belgian deputy prime ministers.

“I am very honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the team and the work of the KBRV, especially at a time when global shipping is undergoing rapid transformation,” Van Staey said in a statement, and highlighted the importance of cooperation in navigating current geopolitical challenges that are affecting shipping.

He emphasized the association’s role in supporting members at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), EU, and national levels. “Belgian shipowners are at the forefront of shipping innovation, be it alternative fuels or digitalisation,” he said, adding: “My team and I will work to increase our participation in these fields at relevant international fora, so that we stay in the lead in the race towards the future of shipping.”