Eman Abdalla Elected Chair of Sea Cargo Charter

Eman Abdalla, global operations and supply chain director at Cargill Ocean Transportation, has been elected chair of the Sea Cargo Charter, a framework developed to measure shipping emissions against decarbonisation benchmarks.

Abdalla expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “Stepping into the role of chair at this pivotal new chapter is both an honor and a responsibility. At a time when credible, climate-aligned action is no longer optional, the Sea Cargo Charter is evolving into a leadership platform — driving transparency, accountability, and real climate impact across global shipping. Together, we can steer the industry toward a more sustainable future.”

Abdalla takes over from Trafigura’s Rasmus Bach Nielsen, who served as chair since May 2023.

In his farewell statement, Bach Nielsen emphasized the importance of unity within the industry, saying, “I’m ambitious on behalf of the Sea Cargo Charter. Shipowners and charterers need to be unified, and by continuing to build our member base, we can establish even stronger baselines for the industry.”

The Sea Cargo Charter, launched in October 2020 by the Global Maritime Forum, provides a standardized framework for assessing shipping emissions and aligning activities with the International Maritime Organization’s greenhouse gas emission targets. With 37 signatories representing over 20% of global seaborne trade, the initiative includes bulk cargo owners, commodity traders, and shipowners from various segments.

Engebret Dahm, chief executive of Klaveness Combination Carriers, was elected vice chairman, while Kartik Kathavate, head of fuel optimization at Maersk Tankers, will serve as treasurer.