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Posted by Caroline Tung
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30 January, 2026
THE INTERNATIONAL Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has released the Flag State Performance Table for 2025 to 2026.
The report, which has been published for more than 20 years, is based upon data-driven assessment, port state control statistics and ratification of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions.
The latest Flag State Performance Table confirmed continued improvement by the vast majority of flag states responsible for the safety and environmental performance of the world’s merchant fleet.
International Chamber of Shipping secretary general Thomas A. Kazakos said ICS believed the table was a useful resource.
“ICS encourages shipowners and operators to use the table to examine whether a flag state has substance and to put pressure on their flag administrations to make any improvements that might be necessary, especially in relation to safety of life at sea,” he said.
“Ratification of the key maritime treaties and addressing any areas of potential underperformance demonstrates a clear commitment by governments to the international maritime regulatory framework on which the global shipping industry relies to operate efficiently in support of the global economy.”
The top performers with no more than one potential negative indicator (flag states by tonnage) were China, Greece, Hong Kong (China), Japan and Singapore, plus the five largest open registers Bahamas, Liberia, Marshall Island, Malta and Panama.
Together these flag states are responsible for about 70% of the world commercial fleet, although many other ship registries, including both national and open registries.
Flag states were assessed against 19 criteria set by the ICS.
Performance was assessed according to a series of international standards such as the IMO Audit Scheme and International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.
Shipowners have access to clear information on flag state performance and are discouraged from selecting registries that may not fully meet their international responsibilities.
The Flag State Performance Table is designed to meet this need and to support informed decision making.
The Flag State Performance Table also aims to encourage constructive dialogue between shipowners and their flag administrations, helping to facilitate improvements in the interests of safety, environmental protection and decent working and living conditions for seafarers.
As part of an ongoing joint campaign with the Comité Maritime International (CMI), ICS also produces the Promoting Maritime Treaty Ratification report.
The report highlights the importance of governments ratifying and implementing maritime conventions adopted by IMO and other United Nations bodies that support the efficient operation of the world’s maritime transportation system.
The full Flag State Performance Table can be read here.
