The merger of North and Standard Club, NorthStandard, will create a new powerhouse in the world of P&I.

I am fortunate to have worked with both clubs for over 40 years, and some of my closest friends in the P&I world are at these Clubs. In the case of North, I have seen them grow from a relatively small, provincially based club, to become the second largest P&I Club by tonnage in the world.

The world of shipping is changing. With decarbonisation at the forefront of discussion. The newly merged Club, along with their colleagues in the International Group, will hopefully be at the forefront in the process in implementing decarbonisation in the world of shipping.

Corporate responsibility is currently very much in vogue, and I am sure that together, this new partnership will help shipowners achieve their long-term goals. Here at McAuslands, we have been associated with both Clubs for almost 135 years, and we wish them all the success in the world, as they embark along this new voyage together.