The World Shipping Council (WSC) has appointed Simon Bergulf as its next Vice-President, Environment and Climate, succeeding Bryan Wood-Thomas, who will retire in 2026 after leading WSC's environment and climate work since 2008.

He will join WSC in March 2026 and begin his new role as vice president at the beginning of April. Bergulf will also lead and manage WSC's Brussels Office.

WSC said Bergulf is currently group representative for Europe at Maersk, where he has worked since 2017 with a strong focus on climate and environmental policy. Before joining Maersk, he held regulatory roles at Danish Shipping.

"Simon has spent many years working on shipping regulation and climate policy. As former chair and currently vice-chair of the WSC Environment & Climate Council he understands both the opportunities and the practical challenges of driving a more sustainable liner shipping industry," said Joe Kramek, president & CEO of WSC.

"Our members have collectively invested over US$150 billion in new ships designed to run on green fuels, and decarbonisation remains a top priority for WSC."

Bergulf, for his part has welcomed his new role: "I'm excited to join WSC in a role focused on decarbonisation, environmental stewardship and the protection of marine life."

"Liner shipping has already made major commitments, but reaching net-zero requires clear global rules, investment in new fuels and infrastructure, and close cooperation across the supply chain. I look forward to working with WSC members, policymakers and partners to help navigate that challenge."