The International Union of Bulk Carrier Shipowners began as a vision of Antonios Chandris in the mid-1970s, when the great Chios shipowner perceived the need to create an institutional body that would represent the industry as one worldwide.
Today, it is one of the most recognized organizations of the global shipping community, with an active role in safety, environmental responsibility and the fair treatment of seafarers. Its leadership remains strongly Greek, with Yannis Xylas in the presidency, Metaxia Psalti as vice president, Kostas Gkonis as general secretary and Dimitris Monioudis as chairman of the technical committee
