It was interesting to hear Mark O’Neil, the InterManager president , complaining about a shipping event being held at the COP26 climate summit next month.

Why, he asked, was the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) presiding over a carbon summit at such a late date in Glasgow? Why hadn't such an event been held six months ago? Who was the ICS anyway, to hold a meeting like this? And why didn't the industry speak with one voice?

All valid questions — put in a fascinating interview with my...