B.C. Ferries chief executive Mike Corrigan, who is stepping down when his contract ends in March, announced Tuesday that he is staying in the game by moving over to head the global ferry association Interferry.
“I am excited to be leading Interferry, advocate on behalf of our industry, focus efforts on passenger and operational safety and build the reputation of ferry operators around the world,” Corrigan said in a statement from Manila, Philippines, where he is attending Interferry’s annual conference.
Interferry represents more than 200 companies in the global ferry industry. Corrigan will be taking over from Darrell Bryan, formerly president and CEO of Victoria Clipper, who has been serving as interim CEO of Interferry since April.
Already familiar with Interferry, Corrigan has served as one of its directors for six years, with a recent stint as treasurer.
He said he is looking forward to making sure the ferry industry’s voice is represented to international regulators. He plans to see that members maximize opportunities to network and to share best policies.
Corrigan announced in August that after 13 years in senior positions at B.C. Ferries, including four years as president and CEO, he would leave the organization at the end of March.
Spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said B.C. Ferries is in a recruitment process and will be announcing Corrigan’s successor “in the coming months.”
Interferry chairman Mike Grainger said Corrigan understands the challenges and opportunities that face the sector. “His experience leading B.C. Ferries, one of the world’s largest ferry operators, means he comes to the position knowing first-hand what many of our members experience, and how regulations being set for deep-sea shipping are not always appropriate for ferry operations.”
Interferry has consultative status with the International Maritime Organization, which is a United Nations agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.
Canadian Ferry Association CEO Serge Buy said Corrigan has played an important role in the growth of that organization and has served on its board.
