Returning to autumn after the summer period comes with many events and engagements, which ICS have been actively participating in throughout the month.

Most notably, ICS Secretary General Thomas A. Kazakos addressed the United Nations Security Council on the critical importance of protecting maritime security, freedom of navigation, and the established international legal framework governing the world’s oceans. The International Chamber of Shipping was invited to brief an Arria-Formula meeting of the UN Security Council, convened by the Kingdom of Bahrain and chaired by Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani. Thomas outlined the profound consequences that insecurity at sea has for seafarers, ships, global trade, and the wider international economy, and stressed that commercial vessels and their crews must not become collateral to wider political or military disputes, and the established international rules governing navigation must be respected. In closing his address, Thomas Kazakos called for a return to freedom of navigation, reaffirmed the stance that international straits must not become toll roads, and that merchant ships and seafarers must not be held to ransom. You can watch the full recording of this meeting here, with Thomas speaking between 19:00-26:44. Alternatively, you can read the full press release, here.

During this trip to the United States, a large ICS delegation, led by ICS Shipping Policy Committee Chair Kenneth Lam, travelled to Washington D.C. to meet with several United States government agencies, including the Department of State and the Office of Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. The ICS Secretariat also met with the U.S. Coast Guard, notably Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy Rear Admiral (RDML) Robert C. Compher, amongst other esteemed colleagues. Discussions covered the IMO Net Zero Framework, Freedom of Navigation, the currently suspended USTR Section 301 fees on Chinese-linked and foreign vessels, and the SHIPS for America Act. Separately, ICS met with the Consultative Shipping Group (CSG) of governments and took part in a meeting co-hosted by Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), Stephen M. Carmel and CSG Chairman Brian Wessel. The Federal Maritime Commission was represented by Chairman Ms. Laura Di Bella, and the Department of State and other U.S. agency representatives were also present. The various insightful discussions covered the latest developments regarding U.S. trade and maritime policies, including the SHIPS for America Act and the USTR Section 301 fees, IMO Net Zero Framework and the future of decarbonising shipping.

September also kicked off with SMM Hamburg, which included an array of engagements from both our Secretary General, Thomas Kazakos, and Chairman, John Denholm. Firstly, Thomas delivered the opening address during the Xinde Marine Forum. Under the theme ‘Navigate Uncertainty, Embrace Transition,’ his speech covered the current issues of freedom of navigation, endangerment of seafarers, and the importance of having no tolls or charges in international waters. John Denholm took part in a variety of panels across the event. This included the opening press conference: ‘Autonomy & Security: Shaping a Resilient and Intelligent Maritime Future, the Strategic Security Panel during the opening conference, and the ‘Plenary Panel: The New Shipping Market Reality: Trade, Risk and Opportunity’ at the TradeWinds Shipowners Forum.

The International Chamber of Shipping was pleased to have the opportunity to host a panel discussion on ‘Maritime Disruptions: Impacts on Energy & Food Security’ during the World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum 2026. ICS Deputy Secretary General Simon Bennett moderated the panel, providing the opening remarks about the crucial nature of energy and food security and how disruptions to shipping routes pose a significant threat to global supply chains. He also highlighted the importance of keeping the principle of Freedom of Navigation intact, reminding it is guaranteed by the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea. The session concluded by emphasising the need for solid global rules for a well-functioning global shipping industry, particularly relating to the transition towards sustainable fuels. The session also highlighted the need for anticipation and forward planning, for shipowners to continue to transport goods and energy around the world in a timely manner. To listen to the full recording, please click here.

With an event-heavy month, I would like to include some other highlights. ICS Deputy Secretary General Simon Bennett participated at the International Maritime Forum “Global Compass” in Bulgaria. Under the theme ‘Visionary and Actionable Horizons: Turning Maritime Policy into Safe, Efficient and Sustainable Practice.’ Simon discussed the IMO Net-Zero Framework for GHG Reduction during the ‘Maritime Innovation and Technology Panel.’ Secondly, ICS’ Director of Employment Affairs Helio Vicente travelled to Athens to participate in the International Symposium: 20 years MLC on panel 1: ‘International Challenges and the Future of the MLC, 2006.’ The Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO), in collaboration with the Federation of Transport, Petroleum and Agricultural Workers of Cyprus (FTPAW) hosted this symposium to honour the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). Finally, ICS’ Senior Legal Advisor Lia Amaxilati spoke at the 21st International Colloquium on Shipping Law in Transition at the Swansea University. She participated in the Geopolitical Challenges and Shipping Session focusing on ‘Geopolitics at Sea: Preserving Legal Predictability for Global Shipping.

In addition to the many events taking place, ICS, alongside BIMCO, European Shipowners | ECSA, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, and World Shipping Council (WSC) released a joint statement welcoming the European Commission’s proposal to add two Indian ship recycling facilities to the updated European List of Ship Recycling Facilities. The shipping industry has advocated for the inclusion of compliant non-OECD yards since the entry into force of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR). Beyond its practical significance for shipowners, the proposal sends a strong political signal: non-OECD yards that meet the EU SRR’s safety and environmental requirements can and should be recognised.  To read the full statement, please click here.

Thanks to our commercial team, the Eighth Edition of the Cyber Security Workbook for On Board Ship Use e-book was released. Produced by Witherbys, BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the Workbook has been fully revised and updated, containing new guidance on: industry guidelines and regulatory requirements, cyber security in port, passenger ships, ship inspections and port state control, software updates, malware detection and prevention, phishing risks, password security, cyber security drills and crew training, and incident response and recovery. You can learn more and order your copy here.