In this edition we catch-up with Frouwke de Vries who is Secretary General of IVR based in Rotterdam 

 

For those not familiar with IVR, can you explain its primary role? 

IVR is a neutral, independent and non-profit international association for the representation of mutual interests of inland shipping and insurance and for keeping the register of inland vessels in Europe. Like IUMI we were established around the same period, namely in 1877 in Frankfurt am Main by seventeen insurers from Germany, Switzerland and one from Austria. IVR is the unique international platform on which national organisations of inland navigation, insurers and surveyors as well as individual companies and persons from these and related areas such as brokers, lawyers, manufacturers, yards etc. are represented. 

  

And what is your role and responsibilities? 

As Secretary General, my primary role is to represent the association at the European—and occasionally global—level. However, leading an association like IVR requires versatility and the ability to balance strategic responsibilities with hands-on tasks. I thoroughly enjoy engaging in various activities, from strategic planning and financial oversight to membership management, writing academic articles, policy development, and event coordination. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, all aimed at enhancing the European inland shipping sector. 

  

What impact has IVR had on shipping in recent years?  

One of the significant achievements of IVR is its contribution to the unification and harmonisation of European inland navigation law and liability on a pan-European level. My predecessors collaborated with international institutions such as the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine to draft important conventions like the CMNI and CLNI convention. For (marine) insurers, having European conventions in place is crucial, as the absence of limitations (e.g., the CLNI 2012 convention) could lead to potentially large uninsurable exposures. It is my goal to continue advocating for more countries to ratify these conventions. 

  

Can you explain the relationship between IVR and IUMI? 

Both associations have strong ties and cooperate closely. IVR is an Affiliate Member of IUMI, and IUMI is an Associate Member of IVR. They share a long history and common principles. Similar to what IUMI does for maritime vessels, IVR initiatives began in the late 19th century to improve the insurability of Rhine vessels. IVR member companies established regulations that vessels must meet to qualify for specific premiums. Another shared principle is Loss Prevention. IVR first created an accident register back in 1878, documenting 2,031 accidents from the period of 1873-1877 and we are still working on various initiatives to minimise the number of accidents on the European waterways. 

On a personal level, I was recently elected as a member of the IUMI Inland Hull, Fishing Vessels & Yachts Committee. I am eager to contribute to the mission of the IFY committee. 

 

On a personal level, how did your career take you to IVR and why do you do it? 

Before joining IVR as Secretary General, I worked for over half a decade in the Maritime & Transport Law department at the Erasmus School of Law, where I began my career in 2011 as an academic teacher. I have always been passionate about shipping and its significance to the global economy. Shipping, and specifically inland shipping, is a relatively small world with a significant impact. I am therefore proud to be a part of this fantastic sector.  

  

And what do you like to do away from the office? 

Watching football (or soccer for readers in the US) is definitely something I like to do when I am away from the office. With the European Championship approaching, I am excited that, since we have members from 14 countries, there is always a team I can cheer for.