Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

1 1 4 COMMENTARY Supporting ferry industry ambitions Interferry CEO Mike Corrigan explains the global trade association’s wide-ranging new vision for helping to shape the ferry industry’s future MIKE CORRIGAN A Canadian and former energy industry executive, Mike Corrigan joined Interferry after 14 years in leadership positions with BC Ferries – one of the world’s largest ferry operators – where he became president and CEO in 2012. I f you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. This proven truism is the driving force behind initiatives now under way to take Interferry’s reach and influence to even higher levels through the visionary measures we have embraced in our 2020-2022 Strategic Plan. Launched in January following top-flight consultation with our members, the plan not only reaffirms our regulatory mission to help protect the ferry industry’s viability – it also introduces a pledge for action to enhance recognition of the industry’s unique contribution to society at large. From its 1976 origins as a US-based networking platform, Interferry has long since evolved into an internationally renowned lobbying force – notably through consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) – to become the ferry community’s global voice. However, an unprecedented tide of commercial and regulatory pressures means there has never been a more crucial time to increase our support. Building on the Stronger Together strategy in force since I joined Interferry in April 2017, our new three-year plan intensifies activity across several key areas. Supported by the expert input of its specially formed committees and working groups, Interferry is committed to promoting the highest standards on fundamental safety, security and environmental sustainability issues. This was particularly evident at our 44th annual conference in London in October 2019, which highlighted how the climate emergency has sharpened focus on battery and hydrogen power as clean alternatives to fossil fuels. The ferry sector’s leadership in this drive towards zero emissions was acknowledged by International Chamber of Shipping secretary general Guy Platten, who stressed: “You are the