![International Bulk Journal](https://www.ibj-online.com/images/international-bulk-journal.png)
![Menu](https://www.ibj-online.com/images/showmobnav-bg.png)
(Posted on 07/03/23)
The Isle of Man Ship Registry (IOMSR) has become an associate member of The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO). IOMSR was also recognised as one of the world’s top flag states by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) in its respected annual Flag State Performance Table published at the beginning of February 2023.
IOMSR deputy director Toby Brooks said the dry bulk sector is hugely important to the ship registry, both in terms of the significant tonnage that dry bulk ships bring to the Isle of Man flag and the quality of those vessels in terms of Port State Control inspections and flag state reputation.
He said the IOMSR and INTERCARGO are also closely aligned on the key sector issues of seafarer welfare, safety and decarbonisation.
“Becoming a member of INTERCARGO is an important move for us and we look forward to our organisations coming together and sharing their expertise for the benefit of the wider industry,” he said. “INTERCARGO’s influential voice on the prime issues affecting dry bulk shipowners is respected internationally and our aim in membership is to add to that voice.”
He added: “The demographic of ship types registered in the Isle of Man has changed considerably since we were established as an international register in 1984 and today around half the fleet is made up of dry cargo ships. This has ultimately improved the knowledge and expertise of our survey and technical team in the design and construction of bulk carriers. INTERCARGO membership will also help us further increase that expertise.”
INTERCARGO works with its members, the regulators and other associations to ensure dry bulk shipping operates safely, efficiently and in an environmentally sound way.
It also actively participates in the development of global legislation through the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other international bodies.
The IOMSR was the first flag state to launch a seafarer welfare app to support mental health and, in another industry-leading development, in April 2022 it become the first flag state in the world to reduce registration fees for ships deploying green technology.
IOMSR’s industry leading green measure gives ship owners a 15 per cent reduction on their annual registration fee. The reduced fee is available to operators of cargo ships, commercial yachts or passenger ships which are investing in biofuel, alternative fuels, wind, or shore-side energy technology.
The move to offer immediate financial incentives for green technology ships follows on from the IOMSR becoming the first flag state to join the ‘Getting to Zero Coalition’ in 2020. The coalition’s core aim is to hit the IMO’s 2050 target to develop commercially viable, deep-sea zero-emission vessels by 2030.
IOMSR is also dedicated to seafarer welfare and has played a prominent role in highlighting the industry’s mental health challenges – and championing ways to tackle them.
With 11,000 seafarers sailing on more than 300 vessels under the Isle of Man flag, IOMSR understands the impact many feel in being isolated from family in the wilderness of the sea.
IOMSR worked to create the first ever seafarer welfare app designed by a flag state, which was launched in 2021. Called ‘Crew Matters’, the free app provides structured support for seafarers.
INTERCARGO, the association of dry bulk shipping companies, has released the following statement:&ldquo... Read more
ITOCHU Corporation, ClassNK, Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd., and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (... Read more
The Women's International Shipping & Trading Association UK (WISTA UK) marked its 50th anniversary... Read more
Accidents onboard ships are not decreasing, according to latest accident statistics submitted to the... Read more
Solutions must be in place to help ship owners with navigating the complex challenges of complying with... Read more
Diversity and nurturing talent is high on the agenda for BCS Group – Boers Crew Services as it... Read more
With discussions regarding the IMO’s (International Maritime Organization) Carbon Intensity Indicator... Read more
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), the professional body for the commercial shipping industry... Read more
Columbia Group and Crowley have signed a strategic cooperation agreement that broadens both companies... Read more
The 2024 edition of The Future of Maritime Safety Report from Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, reveals... Read more