DBCE announced the appointment of Michael Phoon as Managing Director, effective 5 January 2026.

Michael is best known for leading the Singapore Shipping Association through a decade of transformation, significantly strengthening its influence across the global maritime community. His leadership saw the development of new member engagement structures, expansion of shipowner support mechanisms, and internationally recognised crisis-response frameworks, including the IMO-adopted Crew Change Guidebook.

His advocacy work includes spearheading a successful IP challenge on Ballast Water Management Systems, and launching the Singapore War Risks Mutual to support shipowners navigating high-risk waters. He has also played a major role in international maritime leadership development.

What Michael’s appointment means for DBCE

Michael’s arrival will enable DBCE to deepen its impact through:

• Expanding and diversifying global stakeholder engagement across owners, managers, charterers, insurers, flag states and classification societies
• Strengthening member engagement through proven committee-led models
• Leading a comprehensive review and update of the DryBMS Standards
• Launching a robust governance framework for self-assessment verifications
• Driving broader industry-wide adoption of the DryBMS Standards

Joint Statement from INTERCARGO and RightShip:

“INTERCARGO and RightShip warmly welcome Michael Phoon as the new Managing Director of the Dry Bulk Centre of Excellence (DBCE). Michael’s appointment marks an important step in strengthening DBCE’s role as the independent steward of the DryBMS Standard.

As founding organisations of DBCE, we recognise the crucial moment the dry bulk sector is facing. Shipowners, managers, operators, charterers, ports, insurers and other stakeholders need trusted, collaborative, industry-led guidance to achieve higher operational and safety standards and strive for zero harm. Michael’s leadership will help DBCE deepen its impact, advance the evolution of DryBMS, and support broader adoption of responsible, best-practice operations across the industry.”