World’s biggest shipping trade bodies sign MoU

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Asian Shipowners Association (ASA) and the European Community Shipowners Association (ECSA), setting out formal terms for how three of the world’s biggest shipping trade bodies will work together in future.

The three associations, who represent over 90% of the world’s merchant fleet, have signed the agreement to formalize their existing cooperation, as well as establishing a framework for working together more closely in representing the interests of shipowners and operators.

“Shipping is a global industry requiring global rules. 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 together as effectively as possible,” said the chair of ICS, Esben Poulsson.

The ASA’s president, Bhumindr Harinsuit, added: “It is vital that the interests of Asian shipping are properly represented at the global level, especially with the increasing importance of Asian economies to overall demand for shipping services.

“Likewise, shipowners outside our region must be made fully aware of local developments that may affect their operations.”

ECSA president Panagiotis Laskaridis also made a statement: “The maritime policies of the European Union have a significant impact on regulatory developments worldwide, with major implications for ship operators globally.

“Cooperation with ICS and ASA allows us to enhance our joint efforts to represent the best interests of ship owners, whether at bodies such as IMO or when dealing with the EU institutions.”