The Bulgarian port operator BMF Port Burgas, which carries out extensive cargo handling
at the Black Sea Port of Burgas has joined international association of cargo handling
interests. The company which operates modern port terminals with focus on
containerized, bulk, liquid and general cargo, believes membership of ICHCA will enhance
its pursuit of safety excellence.
The two organisations joint aims of safeguarding workers in the sector while
maintaining productivity, will be well served by the unity. So, the latest addition to
the association is welcomed by ICHCA. The new member values the strengths of the
Association, which emanate from more than seventy years of experience in the field.
The membership, and the technical panel in particular comprises a range of top-level
global experts dedicated to honing the best working practices of the cargo handling
industry and delivering them to operators throughout the world.
Chief Legal Advisor for BMF, Ms Vesela Dzhundzhurova was clear on the reasoning
behind the decision, “BMF Port Burgas believes in the relentless pursuit of world-class
safety excellence,” she states. “As a company in the ever-changing field of port
operations, we invest constantly to provide reliable and safe services for our clients.
ICHCA is an organization which provides a focal point for informing, educating,
lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo
handling chain. Becoming a member of ICHCA was, therefore a logical step in our
pursuit.”
ICHCA’s CEO Richard Steele welcomed his organisation’s new member, BMF Port
Burgas has a clearly stated mission to maintain and improve a safe working
environment throughout its varied cargo handling operations. Its management also
has a desire to contribute to the dissemination of best working practices across the
entire international maritime supply chain; as such we are delighted to include them
in the ICHCA community.”
BMF Port Burgas is particularly keen to have access to the ICHCA’s Technical Library,
a vast repository of specialized research and safety guidelines. It will also benefit from
the concerted Global Networking afforded members, allowing connections to a
growing international network of port operators, equipment manufacturers, and
logistics specialists, which allows access to an ever-growing source of safety
innovation technology. As the only non-governmental organisation representing the
cargo handling sector in consultation with United Nations bodies, such as the
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and UN Economic Commission for Europe
(UNECE), ICHCA members also have access to a significantly influential advocacy and
lobbying institution. This is most valuable in helping to improve safety regulations and
to shape those being developed for the future.
Ms Dzhundzhurova concludes “We are truly impressed by the sheer scale of the ICHCA
library and the depth of the network. This partnership ensures that BMF Port Burgas
is not just following industry standards, but actively helping to set them.”
About ICHCA International
Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation
dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and
movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members,
and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and
regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops
publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.
Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia,
ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for
informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice
across the cargo handling chain.
www.ichca.com
About BMF Port Burgas
BMF Port Burgas is the fastest-developing port operator in Bulgaria, providing
comprehensive cargo handling, logistics and intermodal services at the Port of Burgas. The
company operates modern port terminals with focus on containerized, bulk, liquid and
general cargo, offering efficient cargo handling and logistics services and solutions. Through
continuous investments in infrastructure, equipment and operational processes, BMF Port
Burgas has strengthened its role as a key maritime gateway connecting the Black Sea with
Bulgaria’s hinterland and the major economic regions of Southeast and Central Europe.
The company’s development strategy is centered on long-term, sustainable growth and
enhanced connectivity. Key priorities include expanding port capacity through new and
upgraded berths, increasing rail infrastructure and intermodal capabilities, and further
integrating the port with inland logistics hubs, like BMF Dry Port Sofia – an ICD under their
management connecting the port with the most economically developed area in Bulgaria.
By focusing on efficiency, environmental responsibility and customer-oriented solutions,
BMF Port Burgas aims to increase Bulgaria’s competitiveness as a logistics entry point for
cargo flows between Asia and Europe, while supporting the economic development of the
region.
