About ICS

 

ICS is the global trade association for shipowners and operators, representing the world’s national shipowner associations and over 80 % of the world merchant fleet.

ICS has members from around 40 countries. Our membership comprises national shipowners’ associations, through which structure ICS uniquely and legitimately speaks for and represents the significant majority of international shipping. Our national member associations represent shipping companies from all sectors of the shipowner community. These include dry bulk carriers, oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, container ships, general cargo ships, offshore support vessels, and passenger ships.

ICS was established in 1921 to ensure the development, promotion, and application of best practices throughout the shipping industry. ICS continues to support shipping and be the leading advocate for high operational standards and a regulatory environment embracing safety, environment, open markets and fair competition.

As the collective voice of the international shipping industry, ICS articulates and advocates shipowner positions to international regulators International Maritime Organization and International Labour Organization as well as to other government regulators and relevant stakeholders. ICS aims to positively influence regulatory changes while maintaining high standards of quality, safety and environmental protection.

ICS is an international, independent, not-for-profit London-based trade association. It is managed by its secretariat for the benefit of national shipowner associations and their members.