Press releases and statements

LR and ICS enter partnership to invest in crew insight software

Joint Statement – ECSA and ICS warmly welcome EU decision to recognise training and certification of Filipino seafarers

The European Commission decided today to continue to recognise the Philippines' training and certification system. ECSA and ICS welcome this positive development, as Filipino seafarers play a central role in global shipping and in keeping trade moving.

ICS publishes new landmark practical medical guide which can deliver a remarkable difference in seafarers’ and fishers’ lives on board vessels

International Chamber of Shipping’s comment following the conclusion of the IMO ISWG-GHG 14

"We are disappointed by the lack of progress on setting new levels of ambition for GHG reductions to provide shipping with a clear net zero target for 2050. But we remain optimistic that a deal can still be stuck at the crucial MEPC meeting in July. More positively, governments are increasingly understanding the value of the ICS Fund and Reward proposal to accelerate the production and uptake of low and zero-carbon fuels."

Response to joint open letter on seafarers still trapped in Ukraine

ICS statement on the High Seas Treaty

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) welcomes the historic breakthrough in finalising the text the landmark High Seas Treaty agreement achieved at the United Nations (UN) this weekend. Nearly 200 nation States took part in the discussions and while there is still some work to do before the text is officially adopted, the agreement on substance marks the culmination of nearly two decades of work.

The International Chamber of Shipping continues to grow with Luxembourg and Brazil joining the global shipowners’ association

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which represents over 80% of the world merchant fleet, strengthens national association membership with two new members. The ICS Board has approved FEDIL Shipping, Luxembourg and the Brazilian Association of Cabotage Owners to join as Affiliate Member National Associations. Following the China Shipowner’s Association joining ICS earlier this year, ICS membership now comprises national shipowners’ associations from 41 countries and territories.

International Chamber of Shipping and Suez Canal Authority commit to continue open communication

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and Suez Canal Authority (SCA) extend landmark agreement. The extension to the agreement, initially signed in May 2022 ahead of the COP27 meeting and intended to be a year-long commitment, signifies an ongoing commitment to open communication between the ICS and the SCA. The extension of the agreement represents formalisation of dialogue.

ICS publishes updated STCW Guide for the modern working environment

In recent years, shipping has rapidly developed and evolved to meet new realities, from working with low flash point fuels for net zero requirements to operating in polar regions, prompting changes to regulations in the IMO International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). STCW was designed to regulate the training and certification of seafarers and forms the basis for standards of crew competence that are enforced worldwide. A related challenge now faces shipping companies regarding crewing their ships with appropriately trained personnel.

Joint open letter on seafarers still trapped in Ukraine

In just a few days, on 24 February 2023, will mark one year since the onset of the war in Ukraine. The International Chamber of Shipping, in collaboration with over 30 other organisations and companies, have written a joint open letter urgently calling on the UN Secretary General - His Excellency António Guterres – to prioritise the immediate release of the 331 seafarers and 62 ships that remain trapped in Ukrainian ports. Read the joint industry open letter here.