From 1 July 2025, Loïc Van Staey takes over from Wilfried Lemmens as the Managing Director of the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association .

“I am very honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the team and the work of the KBRV, especially at a time when global shipping is undergoing rapid transformation,” comments Loïc.

“In view of the current geopolitical turmoil that is causing much uncertainty and disruption in our sector, our members will all the more need the cooperation of policymakers and stakeholders to ensure the stability and continuity of world trade to keep the global supply chain running.

“The KBRV is actively supporting its members at IMO, EU and national levels and will continue to do so. We have the advantage of a long seafaring tradition, up-to-date maritime education institutions, and a very diverse fleet that forms the backbone of Belgium’s and Europe’s economic wellbeing. These have allowed us to put forward objective policy positions that consider all perspectives, which I have to say is a Belgian specialty.

“I share the common vision of our members that in order to ensure the growth and competitiveness of Belgian shipping and to support shipping’s path to decarbonisation, all stakeholders must work to ensure a global level playing field.

“Belgian shipowners are at the forefront of shipping innovation, be it alternative fuels or digitalisation. My team and I will work to increase our participation in these fields at relevant international fora, so that we stay in the lead in the race towards the future of shipping.”

Loïc Van Staey first joined the KBRV as its Fiscal, Finance and Security Adviser. Prior to this, his career included working as a tax consultant at a Big Four firm, a fiscal adviser at UNIZO (The Belgian Union of Independent Entrepreneurs) as well as in the offices of several Belgian Deputy Prime Ministers.