Rafael Fernandez from Spain has been elected as the next President of the International Shipsuppliers & Services Association (ISSA), the global trade body representing the interests of 1,500 ship suppliers around the world.

The 40 National Associations of ISSA, who form the ISSA Assembly, elected Mr Fernandez during a vote prior to this year’s ISSA conference in Dubai.

Mr Fernandez has sat on the ISSA Executive Board for 12 years, and will take over as President from January 1, 2024.

Speaking after his election, he praised the work of the outgoing President Saeed Al Malik, saying he had created a strong foundation from which to grow ISSA.

“I am delighted to have been elected as the next ISSA President and I will work hard to ensure that ISSA continues to represent the interests of this very important global maritime sector.

“Global trade needs ships and ships cannot travel without being supplied so the work of our members is vital around the world, and I will continue to work with our fellow international ship owner and ship manager trade associations to ensure the voice of the ship supplier is heard.

“I am delighted to announce that the venue for next year’s ISSA Convention will be in Seville in Spain and we look forward to welcoming ship suppliers as well as owners and managers to that event,” he said.