NorthStandard Picks Insider to Steer Global Shipping Policy
Helen Barden takes helm of NorthStandard’s external affairs as the club faces geopolitical and decarbonisation.
Barden, who took up the role on 1st August 2026, succeeds Mike Salthouse, the long-serving director who retired after 34 years with the maritime protection and indemnity (P&I) club.
Barden’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the global shipping sector, which is grappling with three dominant trends: sanctions and geopolitical tensions, the maritime energy transition, and the rapid evolution of new technologies such as autonomous vessels.
From FD&D expertise to shaping global maritime policy
Barden’s journey to her new role is marked by deep industry experience and a track record of leadership in critical areas. She joined NorthStandard’s External Affairs team in 2024, shortly after its creation, bringing with her over 11 years of experience in freight, demurrage, and defence (FD&D). Her expertise was instrumental in setting up NorthStandard’s Navigating Decarbonisation group, a cross-functional initiative aimed at helping members adapt to the IMO’s (IMO) emissions reduction targets.
Her contributions extend beyond NorthStandard’s walls. Barden has played a key role in shaping industry-wide standards, including her work with BIMCO on the development of the EEXI Transition, CII Operations, and Emission Trading Scheme Allowances clauses.
Barden’s influence is further amplified by her positions on the boards of influential organisations. Her role as Chair of the Conference Working Group for London International Shipping Week (LISW) 2027 underscores her commitment to fostering dialogue between industry leaders and policymakers.
Why NorthStandard’s external affairs strategy matters to the industry
NorthStandard’s decision to elevate Barden to Head of External Affairs reflects a broader strategic shift in how P&I clubs engage with regulators and policymakers.
In her new role, Barden will lead NorthStandard’s efforts to engage with governments, policymakers, and industry stakeholders at global, national, and regional levels. Her remit includes strengthening relationships across the maritime sector and ensuring that the perspectives of NorthStandard’s members are represented in the development of policy and regulation. This is no small task, given the rapid pace of change in the industry. Barden’s focus on sanctions and geopolitics is equally critical.
Looking ahead, Barden’s priorities include addressing the policy gaps emerging from new technologies, such as autonomous vessels. While the industry is still in the early stages of adopting these technologies, their potential to transform shipping is immense. Autonomous vessels could improve safety, reduce costs, and lower emissions, but they also raise complex legal and regulatory questions. Barden’s team will work to ensure that these questions are addressed proactively, rather than reactively, to avoid stifling innovation.
NorthStandard’s collaboration with Chatham House, a leading think tank, and its participation in the UK Maritime Nuclear Consortium (MarNuc) further underscore the club’s commitment to shaping the future of the industry. These partnerships will culminate in a series of high-level discussions and reports in Autumn 2026, focusing on the key themes impacting global shipping and their interaction with geopolitical and technological trends.
Paul Jennings, Managing Director of NorthStandard, emphasised the importance of Barden’s appointment in the context of the club’s broader succession planning.
“Succession planning is a key operational area for NorthStandard, and Helen’s appointment offers tangible proof of our preparedness and planning for the future in this vital area of expertise. Over the last three years, Helen and Mike have carved out a unique position for the Club as a resource of knowledge and experience, and as a positive influence working on behalf of Members with policymakers.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Mike for his lasting contribution to the Club and wish him a fulfilling retirement. We also congratulate Helen and look forward to continuing our commitment as she brings her own impressive talents to this crucial role.”
Paul Jennings·Managing Director, NorthStandard
Barden herself outlined her vision for the role, highlighting the three major trends that will shape her work: sanctions and geopolitics, the maritime energy transition, and the impact of new technology.
“Our focus will continue to be shaped by the three major trends affecting shipowners and charterers, sanctions and geopolitics, the maritime energy transition, and the impact of new technology. The shipping industry operates in an increasingly complex and geopolitical environment, where trusted and credible partnership with policymakers is essential to the development of well-informed regulation.
Therefore, in the immediate term, our engagement with key policymakers is a priority to ensure Members’ commercial and operational perspectives are heard before and as policy is developed, particularly in areas such as sanctions and decarbonisation.”
Helen Barden·Head of External Affairs, NorthStandard
She also emphasised the importance of addressing the policy gaps created by new technologies.
“While to date our work in relation to new technologies has been understanding the evolving landscape, looking ahead, I expect our work to become more focused on the policy gaps emerging from new technologies such as autonomous vessels.”
Helen Barden·Head of External Affairs, NorthStandard
Barden steps into her new role, her leadership will be critical in ensuring that NorthStandard remains at the forefront of industry efforts to shape a sustainable, secure, and innovative future for global shipping. Her appointment is not just a change in personnel; it is a statement of intent from NorthStandard, signalling its determination to play a proactive role in shaping the policies that will define the next decade of maritime trade.
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