The Port Equipment Manufacturers' Association (PEMA) has elected Cavotec MSL chief executive Ottonel Popesco as its new president.

"It gives me great pleasure to chair PEMA and carry forward its valuable work representing the interests of its members throughout the world," Popesco says.

PEMA members have also appointed a new board of directors including influential figures from the maritime industry.

Established in 2004, PEMA represents the interests of the world's port equipment sector to governments, international agencies and non-governmental organisations. PEMA also provides a forum for members to discuss issues, exchange expertise and reach common positions on industry norms.

Brussels-based PEMA also commissions and compiles detailed data on the industry and provides research, training and safety information to members.

All equipment suppliers of any size and geographical origin in the container and heavy industrial handling industries are welcome to join the association, together with suppliers of ancillary components and technology, plus consultants active in the port and terminal equipment sector.

Current PEMA members include ABB, Baltkran, Bromma, Cavotec MSL, Fantuzzi Reggiane, Hyster, Kalmar Industries, KCI, MAFI, RAM, SMV Liftrucks, Stinis, Svetruck, Terberg and TTS Port Equipment.

Popesco joined Cavotec Group in 1988 and is currently the company's CEO. Prior to Cavotec MSL, Ottonel worked for five years as sales and marketing director in one of the ABB companies. He is a registered professional engineer and an associate member of the Facilities Engineering Committee of the American Association of Port Authorities.

Cavotec MSL is a global leader in innovative and environmentally friendly power and engineering solutions, supplying a wide range of markets throughout the world.

For more information on PEMA and its activities, please visit www.pema.org.

For more information on Cavotec, please visit www.cavotec.com.

For further details on this press release, please contact Michael Scheepers, Cavotec MSL Corporate Communications Manager, at communications@cavotec.com.