The maritime industry is constantly evolving, and with it, the need for strong educational foundations, strategic partnerships, and adaptive leadership..
This is the crisp message from Ms.Goscelin Howson, Chairperson of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), South Africa Branch..
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is the professional body for all members of the commercial shipping industry worldwide.. It was founded in 1911 and awarded a Royal Charter in 1920..
ICS South Africa (ICS SA) is a branch of the parent body in the UK and plays a crucial role in shaping the future of maritime professionals in the region..
Shipping and Freight Resource had the privilege of speaking with Goscelin Howson, Chairperson of ICS SA, as part of the Executive Insights series.. Goscelin shared her vision for the branch, the challenges facing the industry and ICS SA is positioning itself for the future..
SFR: Can you tell us a bit about your background and journey into ICS South Africa..??
GH: I am a maritime attorney with over a decade of experience, primarily focused on maritime law. I joined ICS in 2018 after completing my professional qualifying exams because I wanted to broaden my industry knowledge beyond just the legal aspects.
Since then, I’ve been actively involved with the institute, heading education initiatives, serving as Vice Chair, and now, as of 2024, stepping into the Chairperson role. My goal has always been to bridge the gap between education and real-world industry challenges.
SFR: As the new Chairperson, what are your key priorities for ICS South Africa in 2025 and beyond..??
GH: Our focus revolves around three core pillars :
- Strengthening educational offerings – ICS has always been about education, and we are committed to keeping our courses relevant and valuable for students and professionals alike.
- Expanding partnerships – Collaborating with maritime organisations and industry stakeholders to build a stronger, more unified maritime community in South Africa.
- Leveraging our global network – ICS has a worldwide presence, and we want to make sure our members in South Africa benefit from this international connectivity.
SFR: The maritime industry faces significant challenges and opportunities, from supply chain disruptions to digital transformation.. How is ICS SA helping its members navigate these challenges and what advancements are being made to modernise maritime education..??
GH: The industry is indeed evolving rapidly, and it’s crucial that our members stay ahead of these changes. At ICS, we’re making significant strides in modernising education and tackling these challenges by:
- Introducing online courses, with the “Understanding Shipping” course now available digitally.
- Moving towards making more courses available online to improve accessibility.
- Working towards offering ICS exams online in the coming years.
- Regularly updating our curriculum to ensure relevance, including discussions about adding a course on containerisation.
- Keeping members informed about industry developments through discussions, workshops, and educational initiatives.
- Encouraging knowledge-sharing and fostering dialogue among students and professionals.
- Enhancing networking opportunities so members can strengthen industry ties and collaborate to find solutions.
SFR: ICS SA recently participated in the inaugural South African Shipping Gala.. What were the key takeaways from that event..??
GH: The Shipping Gala was a fantastic milestone for the maritime industry in South Africa.. One of the biggest takeaways was the strong interest in fostering a more unified maritime sector.
The event provided a space for networking, partnership-building, and celebrating industry achievements.
We’ve already seen increased collaboration opportunities following the gala, with more organisations expressing interest in being involved in future events.
SFR: Apart from the gala, how is ICS South Africa increasing its engagement with stakeholders..??
GH: We are working on several initiatives to boost engagement, including..
- Developing strategic partnerships with industry organisations to strengthen maritime education and professional development.
- Participating in key industry conferences and events to raise awareness of ICS and its role in the industry.
- Hosting networking events and workshops to provide members and students with more opportunities to connect and learn.
SFR: Africa has a young and growing population.. How is ICS South Africa nurturing the next generation of maritime professionals..??
GH: Our goal is to inspire and equip the next generation of maritime leaders by..
- Encouraging mentorship programs that connect students with experienced professionals.
- Providing opportunities for young professionals to build strong networks within the industry.
- Offering world-class education that prepares students for careers in maritime, logistics, and shipping.
SFR: What legacy do you hope to leave as Chairperson of ICS South Africa..??
GH: I want to ensure that ICS South Africa remains relevant and adaptable in an industry that is changing at an unprecedented pace. My vision is to keep ICS at the forefront of maritime education and to continue fostering industry relationships that benefit our members.
SFR: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring maritime professionals..??
GH: Knowledge is power, but so is networking. You need both technical expertise and strategic relationships to succeed in this industry.
ICS provides the education and the platform to build those connections, and I encourage young professionals to take full advantage of these opportunities.
Conclusion
With a strong focus on education, collaboration, and adaptability, ICS SA under Goscelin Howson’s leadership is poised to make a significant impact on the maritime industry..
By leveraging technology, strengthening partnerships, and fostering the next generation of professionals, the institute is ensuring that South Africa remains a key player in global shipping and logistics..
Watch the full interview here
