Moran Shipping Agencies, Inc. appoints new CEO and President 

(Providence, RI, August 18, 2023) The Board of Directors of Moran Shipping Agencies, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointments of Gavin R. Black as Chief Executive Officer and J. Andrew Black as President. Stepping into the roles previously held by their fathers, Michael T. Black and James A. Black, respectively, Gavin and Andrew bring with them a combined 40 years of experience at Moran Shipping Agencies. 

Gavin Black is a graduate of the Roger Williams University School of Law and the University of Rhode Island Maritime Affairs Institute. He is a member of the Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Federal U.S. District of Rhode Island Bar Associations and currently serves as Moran’s General Counsel. Gavin is an active participant in the maritime community with participation in the North Atlantic Ports Association and the Maritime Law Association of the United States, from whom he received a special recognition in Maritime Law as a Proctor in Admiralty. Currently, Gavin is the President of the R.I. Ports Coalition and sits on the ASBA Agency Affairs Committee. He is also a board member of the Boston Shipping Association and the Massachusetts Bay Harbor Safety Committee. Gavin has previously served as Port President of the Propeller Club of the United States, Narragansett Bay Chapter and was recognized as their 2017 Maritime Person of the Year. 

Andrew Black gained extensive experience in the commercial maritime industry before receiving his J.D. from Boston University School of Law. In his time with Moran, he has served as Vessel Agent in Texas and California, Operations Manager of New York and New Jersey, and Quality Manager company wide. Andrew has extensive corporate and maritime law experience as both In-House Counsel for Moran Shipping Agencies and as a Litigation Associate for Farrell Smith O’Connell LLP. Andrew has personally attended, and directed, more than 1,000 vessel turnarounds in ports across the United States. For the past year, Andrew has been serving as Vice President of Business Development focusing on improving the scope and quality of Moran Shipping’s services. 

Founded in 1937, Moran Shipping Agencies, Inc. is the largest independent steamship agency in North America, an achievement fueled by our owners, executive staff, and dedicated employees. Gavin and Andrew will work together as equal partners to continue the efforts of Moran’s previous leadership. We look forward to the future with Gavin and Andrew at the helm and pledge our support as they embark on these new roles.