The International Propeller Club elects Maria Conatser as PresidentThe International Propeller Club elects Maria Conatser as President

“This is a huge honour being elected to this position representing more than 5,000 members from our global network of clubs,” she said.

Conatser has served in various financial, analytical, and business intelligence roles with the Ingram Barge Company of Nashville.  She is a member of the Propeller Club’s Port of Nashville chapter, and she takes over the role at a time of enormous change in the maritime industry.

“We are ambitious and aim to substantially increase that membership by at least another 1,000 and ramp up the number of clubs to more than 100 clubs for our 100th anniversary in 2027. The Propeller Club recognises there has never been a more important time in its history to galvanize support for the maritime industry from businesses, the public, and the government,” she explained.

“Maritime transport carries over 90 per cent of global merchandise trade, totalling some 11 billion tonnes of cargo per year, but we are too often out of sight and mind.  To tackle this, we need to raise awareness of the industry and attract the best minds to help us innovate, embrace digitisation, and squarely face environmental challenges. 

“I further want to champion the maritime industry as an exciting career for young men and women across many disciplines from engineering and logistics to professional services and leadership roles,” she added.

Related:Pireaus Propeller Club online counselling programme for seafarers

The International Propeller Club was founded in 1927, as an international business network of maritime professionals, dedicated to the promotion of the maritime industry, commerce, and global trade.  Local chapters in the United States and abroad are organised into chapters, called “Ports,” which meet regularly to hear from industry leaders, for service opportunities, and to network with industry colleagues.