J. & J. Denholm (The Denholm Group) congratulate their Chairman, John Denholm CBE, on his appointment as Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) last week, marking an important moment for John, the industry and the Denholm Group.

John has been involved with ICS for a number of years, serving as the UK’s representative on the ICS Board and as Vice Chair before being unanimously recommended by the Board as Chairman Designate in June 2025. He has also held a number of senior leadership roles across the maritime sector, including President of BIMCO, Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights and President of the UK Chamber of Shipping. He is also a Trustee of the Marine Society and Sea Cadets and holds board positions with Hadley Shipping and Anglo-Eastern Univan Group.

About ICS

The ICS is one of the world’s leading maritime trade associations, representing the interests of shipowners and operators across more than 40 countries and around 80% of the world’s merchant fleet.

Acting as the collective voice of the international shipping industry, the ICS articulates and advocates shipowner positions to international regulators International Maritime Organisation and International Labour Organisation, as well as to other government regulators and relevant stakeholders. Its work shapes maritime policy, technical matters and best practice across the sector, making the role of Chairman a significant one on the international shipping stage. John’s appointment reflects his continued commitment to supporting the industry at this level.

Commenting on his appointment, John Denholm said:

“It is a great honour to be appointed Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping and to represent an industry that underpins global trade and prosperity. I take on this responsibility at a moment of considerable upheaval and uncertainty for the world economy and for international shipping. Our industry continues to navigate geopolitical tensions, security threats, rapid technological change, the energy transition, and evolving trading patterns. Yet throughout every challenge, shipping continues to perform its essential role: keeping global trade moving and delivering the goods, energy, and resources upon which societies depend. I look forward to working with the ICS Board of Directors and Secretariat during this pivotal period for our industry.”

Thomas A. Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, said:

“I am delighted to welcome John Denholm as Chairman of ICS. John brings decades of experience as a shipowner, business leader, and industry representative, together with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our sector.

“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Emanuele Grimaldi for his outstanding leadership over the past four years. His chairmanship coincided with one of the most demanding periods in recent maritime history. Under his stewardship, ICS helped guide the industry as it responded to attacks on civilian shipping and the disruption of major trade routes, adapted to significant shifts in global trading patterns, and engaged with an unprecedented programme of international regulatory change. His contribution to both ICS and the wider shipping community has been immense.”

The Denholm name has long been synonymous with shipping and the sea and John’s appointment further reinforces the Group’s longstanding commitment to the global maritime industry.

You can read the full ICS announcement here and watch John’s ‘Meet the Chair’ video below:

Denholm Shipping Company is pleased to be a Gold Sponsor for the UK Chamber of Shipping’s first ever Virtual Conference: Creating Pathways to 2030.

The virtual conference, which takes place on Thursday 11th February, will feature a key note speech from Shipping Minister Robert Courts MP and will see industry leaders come together and look at the key challenges facing the UK shipping industry. The conference aim is to generate pathways for the next decade that will enable progress to be measured towards safer and cleaner shipping.

Denholm Shipping Company will sponsor the President’s Reception, where Chamber President John Denholm will welcome delegates and start the day’s proceedings.

Commenting on the partnership, Ben MacLehose, Managing Director, Denholm Shipping Company and Chief Executive of parent company J. & J. Denholm, said: “The UK Chamber of Shipping is the voice for the UK shipping industry and the theme of its first virtual conference, ‘Creating Pathways to 2030’, will be pivotal in ensuring the UK remains a leader in the global maritime industry.  As a UK-based shipping company operating in the global market, Denholm Shipping Company is delighted to play such a prominent role in supporting this important agenda.”

Tony Jerome, Head of Business Development said: “We would like to thank Denholm Shipping Company for sponsoring the President’s ‘Welcome’ at the Chamber’s Virtual UK Shipping Conference. The President’s ‘Welcome’ will brief delegates on what the Chamber has been working on over the last 12 months and set the scene for the day’s event. Without this kind support, the Chamber would not be able to deliver these high-profile and important events where leading industry figures can debate the key issues facing the UK shipping industry over the next decade.”

The Virtual Conference is a full day event and will be moderated by industry expert Paddy Rodgers. Tickets are free for members of the UK Chamber of Shipping and £50 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased here.

Mountpark Shipping Company, a subsidiary of the Denholm Group, has taken delivery of its third ship, which has been renamed ‘MV Wellpark’ and registered under the UK flag.

Wellpark is a handysize bulk carrier built by Japan’s Oshima Shipyard in 2014. Whilst not log-fitted, it is of a similar size and type of ship as ‘MV Mountpark’ and ‘MV Glenpark’. It is the ninth Denholm ship to be named Wellpark – the first was delivered 130 years ago in 1889.

Denholm Shipping Company is pleased to announce the launch of ‘MV Glenpark’ at a ceremony at Naikai Zosen’s Innoshima shipyard in Japan. ‘MV Glenpark’ is the second of two 38,000 deadweight tonne (DWT) carriers to be delivered to Denholm Shipping Company in the past two years. Denholm Shipping Company is a subsidiary of J. & J. Denholm Limited.

Denholm Shipping Company is pleased to announce the launch of ‘MV Mountpark’, a 38,000 deadweight tonne (DWT) carrier. ‘MV Mountpark’ is the first of two sister carriers to be ordered recently by Denholm Shipping Company, a subsidiary of J. & J. Denholm Limited. The carrier was officially launched at a ceremony at Naikai Zosen’s Setoda shipyard in Japan.