摘要：Against the backdrop of the global shipping industry’s accelerating green and digital transformation, dry bulk shipping—a backbone
Against the backdrop of the global shipping industry’s accelerating green and digital transformation, dry bulk shipping—a backbone of global commodity trade—faces multiple challenges in safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability. To address these industry pain points, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) and RightShip, the world’s leading maritime risk management and environmental assessment organization, jointly launched the Dry Bulk Management Standard (DryBMS) in early 2021. This framework establishes a unified set of guiding safety standards for the industry. With clear standards and guidelines across four categories: Performance, People, Plant, and Process, DryBMS is further broken down into 30 key subject areas, covering all aspects of vessel management and operations. This marks a significant step toward driving systematic change across the dry bulk sector.
Mr. Christopher Saunders, Board Director of the Dry Bulk Centre of Excellence (DBCE)
In April 2024, the two founding organizations, INTERCARGO and RightShip, took a further step by establishing the Dry Bulk Centre of Excellence (DBCE). Operating as an independent platform, the DBCE is dedicated to promoting the adoption and application of DryBMS, encouraging active participation and collaboration across the industry, and inspiring stakeholders to go beyond compliance in pursuit of excellence. The DBCE is managed by an independent team and adopts a governance model convened from ship owners, managers, and charterers. Its Board of Directors will rotate chairmanship among representatives from the community of ship owners/ ship managers and charterers and will have representation from RightShip, INTERCARGO, and other industry stakeholders, creating a truly collaborative industry initiative.
In a recent exclusive interview with China Ship Survey Magazine, Mr. Christopher Saunders, Board Director of the DBCE, shared further insights into the practical achievements and future vision of DryBMS. In response to industry interest in the value of the DryBMS framework, he elaborated on how the standard helps users build a differentiated competitive edge. Faced with the ongoing technological transformation in shipping, he also discussed the DBCE’s approach to maintaining agility and relevance. Through this dialogue, it becomes clear that DryBMS is not merely a technical tool—it represents a collective commitment across the dry bulk industry to move toward a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable future.
Q: Since the DryBMS framework was launched in 2021, followed by the official establishment of DBCE in April this year, what significant achievements has DryBMS attained in terms of its development and application within the dry bulk sector up to the present?
A: Since its launch, the Dry Bulk Management Standard (DryBMS) has made significant strides in enhancing safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability within the dry bulk sector. A key milestone has been the successful introduction of the DryBMS portal—an all-encompassing self-assessment tool designed to help ship owners and managers benchmark their practices. This platform has played a pivotal role in encouraging the adoption and documentation of best practices, as well as promoting a culture of continuous improvement across the industry.
Furthermore, the framework has gained significant traction within a relatively short period. The fact that 50 owner/manager subscribers have already come on board is a clear indication of the industry's support and the collective commitment to raising standards and enhancing performance.
Q: Looking ahead to the new year, what plans do you have for the operations of DBCE?
A: Looking ahead to the new year, DBCE has several strategic plans aimed at strengthening the impact and reach of the DryBMS framework. A key priority will be to expand our subscriber base, encouraging broader adoption across the sector. We also plan to enhance the DryBMS portal by introducing new functionalities, including advanced analytics and reporting tools, which will support operators in gaining deeper insights into their performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.
In parallel, we will continue to invest in engagement activities and workshops, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-familiarized and prepared to implement and uphold the DryBMS standards effectively. Furthermore, we are looking to establish a dedicated working group comprising DBCE members with the objective of refining the standards, fostering collaboration, and sharing valuable learnings across the industry.
Q: As the two founding organizations, in what specific ways do INTERCARGO and RightShip support the development and operation of the DryBMS platform?
A: INTERCARGO and RightShip have been pivotal in the development and operation of the DryBMS Standard. Their support includes providing expert guidance on safety and environmental standards, facilitating industry-wide consultations, and ensuring that the framework remains relevant and up-to-date. Both organizations also play a crucial role in promoting the adoption of DryBMS among their members and the broader maritime community.
Q: For ship operators and other stakeholders in the dry bulk sector, how exactly does the adoption of DryBMS contribute to enhancing their competitive edge? Moreover, how does DryBMS improve the safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability aspects of ship operations?
A: DryBMS offers ship operators and managers in the dry bulk sector a structured framework that goes beyond mere regulatory compliance. It provides a clear pathway for owners and managers to progress through defined standards, enabling them to align with industry best practices and consistently benchmark their performance.
By adopting DryBMS, operators can demonstrate a firm commitment to operational excellence. This not only strengthens their reputation within the industry but can also serve as a competitive differentiator, helping to attract charterers, lenders, clients, and partners who prioritise high standards.
In terms of tangible benefits, the framework supports improved compliance, thereby reducing the risk of non-conformities and associated claims. It also promotes greater operational efficiency through systematic self-assessment and continuous improvement for management, safety, and human & environmental sustainability.
Q: Safety is the primary focus of DryBMS. From your perspective, what additional measures can the dry bulk industry implement to further boost its safety record?
A: Safety lies at the heart of DryBMS, and while the framework already sets a strong foundation, there are further steps the dry bulk industry can take to enhance its safety record.
A key area is inclusivity. It is essential that safety standards and initiatives—such as DryBMS—are effectively communicated to, and understood by, seafarers. Their involvement is critical; without their active participation, efforts to foster a stronger safety culture will be limited. Building trust and ensuring open, two-way communication between ship and shore teams is vital to making safety a shared responsibility across all levels.
Additional measures that could further enhance safety include more frequent and targeted training for crew members, as well as the integration of advanced monitoring and reporting technologies. Moreover, embedding a culture of continuous improvement—driven by clear KPIs, structured feedback, and thorough root cause analysis—will help reduce incidents and improve the overall safety performance of dry bulk operations.
Q: With the ongoing transformation in the shipping industry and the rapid evolution of new technologies, how does DryBMS ensure that its framework and standards are promptly updated to keep pace with emerging requirements?
A: DBCE is committed to remaining responsive to the ever-evolving landscape of the shipping industry by continuously monitoring emerging trends, technological advancements, and regulatory developments. This approach ensures that the DryBMS framework and its standards remain both relevant and practical.
We recognize that implementing a comprehensive standard like DryBMS requires time, resources, and commitment. As such, we are mindful of the pace and scope of any updates or revisions, ensuring that changes are introduced thoughtfully and in a manner that supports operators rather than overwhelms them.
To maintain our agility, we will regularly review and update our guidelines in line with evolving best practices and legislative requirements. As previously mentioned, we will establish a dedicated working group comprising DBCE members. This group will play a central role in the ongoing enhancement of the standards and in sharing real-world insights gained from their application.
Moreover, we remain committed to engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including industry bodies, regulators, and industry experts, to gather constructive feedback and explore new opportunities for improvement. This collaborative approach ensures that DryBMS continues to evolve in step with industry needs, driving progress while supporting the sector in remaining resilient, compliant, and future-focused.
Q: The successful launch of DryBMS stands as a remarkable outcome and an exemplary model of collaboration among industry players. Could you share some of the best practices and valuable experiences during this collaborative process?
A: The success of DryBMS is a testament to the power of collaboration. It was the combined effort of our two co-founders, INTERCARGO and RightShip, whose expertise and commitment played a crucial role in shaping a robust and meaningful framework. This outcome was achieved through dedicated teamwork, countless hours of discussion, and a shared determination to raise standards across the dry bulk sector.
Several best practices emerged from this collaborative journey. Foremost among them was the emphasis on open and transparent communication, which ensured that all voices were heard and respected throughout the process. Actively engaging with a diverse group of stakeholders allowed us to gather a wide range of insights and perspectives, enriching the final product.
Maintaining a common vision focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement was another key factor. Additionally, the process underscored the importance of adaptability—welcoming feedback and being willing to revise and refine the framework to ensure it remained practical, relevant, and forward-thinking.
来源：中国船检杂志社
