Three major shipowner trade associations, which represent over 90% of the world merchant fleet, have signal their desire for closer ties in the face of growing geopolitical threats to shipping.
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) and the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) have agreed to enhance co-operation in a bid to oppose what it described as “unwelcome regional or unilateral initiatives that may impede the efficiency of maritime trade”.
“Shipping is a global industry requiring global rules,” said ICS chairman, Esben Poulsson at a memorandum of understanding signing in Singapore on Monday.
“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.”
ASA President, Bhumindr Harinsuit, said it was vital that the interests of Asian shipping were “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,” he said.
ECSA President, Panagiotis Laskaridis said the maritime policies of the European Union have a “significant impact” on regulatory developments at fora such as the IMO, with “major implications” for ship operators in Europe and globally.
“Co-operation 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” he said.
