

(Posted on 08/04/19)
Yesterday in Singapore, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) and the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) signed a joint memorandum of understanding.
This new MOU codifies the extensive level of co-operation that already exists between these important international trade associations and provides a framework for their closer co-operation. The three associations collectively represent over 90 percent of the world merchant fleet. The agreement recognises their respective memberships of national shipowners’ associations and the unique and special relationship which their members enjoy with their national governments.
The MOU confirms the roles of ICS, ASA and ECSA as the principal global and regional associations, representing shipowners and operators – in all shipping sectors and trades – with those global and regional organisations, regulators and other bodies which impact and affect the interests of international shipping.
“Shipping is a global industry requiring global rules. It is only natural that as the representatives of the world’s national shipowner associations that we should further cement our relationships to ensure that we work as effectively as possible in support of a global regulatory framework for shipping and in opposition to unwelcome regional or unilateral initiatives that may impede the efficiency of maritime trade” said ICS Chairman, Mr Esben Poulsson.
“It is vital that the interests of Asian shipping, which controls an increasingly large proportion of the world fleet, are properly represented at the global level, especially with the increasing importance of Asian economies to overall demand for shipping services. It is of utmost importance that shipowners outside our region are fully aware of local developments that may affect their operations” said ASA President, Mr Bhumindr Harinsuit
“The maritime policies of the European Union have a significant impact on regulatory developments at fora such as the UN IMO, with major implications for ship operators in Europe and globally. Cooperation with ICS and ASA allows us to enhance our joint efforts to represent the best interests of shipowners, whether at bodies such as IMO or when dealing with the EU institutions” said ECSA President, Mr Panagiotis Laskaridis.
ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a large ammonia fuelled 210,000 DWT bulk carrier... Read more
Investors in middle aged dry bulk tonnage may be cheered by the impact of sustained higher recycled... Read more
As one of the most important strategic maritime passages in the world, linking the Indian and Pacific... Read more
OSM Maritime Group and Thome Group have agreed to a merger of the two companies. By joining forces,... Read more
In a pivotal move aimed at further strengthening The Swedish Club’s long-term position in the... Read more
International crewing expert Danica Crewing Specialists now has a presence in Mumbai, boosting its recruitment... Read more
Bahamas-based ship-management group Campbell Shipping has extended its relationship with Inmarsat, a... Read more
AAL’s scheduled monthly ‘Asia to Australia West Coast Liner Service’ (AUWC) recently... Read more
Tindall Riley & Co Ltd./ the Managers of Britannia P&I announce that on 5 January 2023 it acquired... Read more
The Swedish Club has welcomed in the New Year, when it formally greeted its incoming Managing Director... Read more