Press Releases

IMO Needs to Finalise Ballast Water Implementation Dates

The global shipping industry – as represented by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) – has urged its global regulator, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), to back a carefully crafted proposal, from a broad coalition of governments, concerning the implementation dates for installing complicated new ballast water treatment systems.

Shipowners Encourage EU-China Leadership in Shaping IMO CO2 Strategy

Following the decision of the United States to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, the European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) encourage the intention of the European Union and the People's Republic of China to intensify cooperation in achieving a global climate deal for shipping.

'Shipping Committed to Green Growth' ICS to Tell UN Ocean Conference

The high level United Nations Ocean Conference (5-9 June), organised by the UN General Assembly, opens today in New York. ICS will explain that the global shipping industry is fully committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goal for the protection of the Ocean.

ICS Commits Shipping to Ambitious CO2 Reduction Objectives

At its AGM in Istanbul, ICS has agreed to urge the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to adopt some dramatic CO2 reduction objectives – on behalf of the international shipping sector as a whole – in order to match the ambition of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Major Upgrade to ISF Watchkeeper Simplifies Work Hour Record Keeping

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and IT Energy have announced the launch of the latest release of their acclaimed ISF Watchkeeper software – ISF Watchkeeper 3.5 – developed for maintaining records of individual seafarers’ work hour records, as required by IMO and ILO regulations, and to help prevent crew fatigue and to avoid issues with Port State Control.

All You Need to Know About Shipping but Were Afraid to Ask: ICS Launches 2017 Annual Review

The International Chamber of Shipping has launched its latest Annual Review, ahead of the ICS Annual General Meeting in Istanbul next week. The ICS Annual Review 2017 can be accessed free of charge via the ICS website.

ICS Chairman Sets out Plan for CO2 Reduction by Shipping Sector

The Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, Esben Poulsson, has set out what the industry would like the International Maritime Organization to achieve as part of its CO2 reduction strategy for the shipping sector.

ICS Releases Latest Flag State Performance Table

ICS has published its latest Flag State Performance Table which can be downloaded free of charge.

The Table provides an annual overview of the performance of the world’s flag states against a number of criteria such as port state control records, ratification of international maritime Conventions and attendance at IMO meetings.

EU Member States Must Reject European Parliament’s Proposal to Include Global Shipping into Regional CO2 Trading System

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) – which represents over 80% of the world merchant fleet – says it is ‘disappointed but not surprised’ by today’s vote in the European Parliament to propose that international shipping (including non-EU flag ships) should be incorporated into the EU Emissions Trading System from 2023.

Global Shipping Industry Slams European Parliament Proposal to Impose Regional Emissions Trading System

The global trade association for shipowners, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), says that a unilateral decision by the European Union to incorporate international shipping into its regional Emissions Trading System (ETS) will polarise and impede current discussions on additional CO2 reduction measures at the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Extension of Eunavfor Mandate is Necessary and Welcome to Counter Continuing Piracy Threat

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has welcomed the extension of EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta, following a decision by the EU Council, which will continue to see military forces deployed for counter piracy operations in the Western Indian Ocean until December 2018.

‘Spot The Hazard’ Safety Posters Issued Throughout the Industry in Drive to Promote Hazard Awareness

As part of a major initiative to promote hazard awareness throughout the shipping industry, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and The Standard Club have issued free safety posters to shipping companies worldwide. The release of the posters marks the final stage of a campaign by the two organisations to promote hazard awareness with a ‘Spot the Hazard’ competition for seafarers.

Use Training to Direct the Future of Shipping says ICS Chairman

Manila 15 November 2016: Training acts not only as a career enhancer, but also plays an essential role in the modernisation of the shipping industry as a whole, said Esben Poulsson, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) today, as he delivered the keynote speech at this year’s Crew Connect Global Conference in Manila.

ICS Tells UN Climate Conference that IMO Needs to Agree Ambitious CO2 Commitments for Shipping by 2018

At the UNFCCC Climate Conference (COP 22), in Marrakesh, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) said that the recent International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreement on a CO2 Road Map for shipping is a significant decision giving further impetus to the substantial CO2 reductions that are already being delivered by the global industry.

ICS Applauds IMO Road Map for CO2 Reduction by International Shipping

ICS has applauded the agreement, last Friday, by the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) to develop a comprehensive Road Map for addressing CO2 emissions from international shipping – with initial CO2 reduction commitments to be agreed by IMO by 2018.

2016 Tripartite Meeting: Shipping Industry Meets in Tokyo to Discuss Mutual Challenges

Some 200 representatives of classification societies, shipbuilders and shipowners came together in Tokyo last week for their annual ‘Tripartite Meeting’ on issues of common interest.

Shipping Industry United in Seeking Further Progress on CO2 at Critical IMO Meeting

In advance of next week’s critical meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 70) at IMO in London, the global shipping industry has called on IMO Member States to give serious consideration to a joint industry submission regarding the need for further progress on addressing the sector’s CO2 emissions.

World's National Shipowner Associations Press Shipping’s Global Regulator to Set Timeline for Reducing Green House Gas Emissions

About 90% of global trade is moved by cargo ships which are collectively responsible for about 2.2% of the world's total Green House Gas (GHG) emissions (similar to that emitted by international aviation).

ICS Pilotage, Towing and Mooring Survey 2016 Now Underway

ICS has embarked upon its first comprehensive survey of pilotage, towing and mooring services provided in ports and terminals around the world, in recognition of the role of the pilot in mitigating the potential economic and environmental risk from today's large vessels.

Urgent Need for Governments to Act on Ballast Water Chaos

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) notes Finland’s significant announcement that it has acceded to the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention.