THE CHINA Shipowners’ Association has joined the International Chamber of Shipping as a full member.
The CSA is to join the ICS Board, which oversees the policy positions ICS presents on behalf of shipowners worldwide with the shipping industry’s global regulators, including the UN International Maritime Organization and the International Labour Organization.
In a statement, the ICS said, “Given the importance of China as a major shipping nation, the membership of CSA confirms the legitimacy of ICS, through its unique structure comprising member national (and regional) shipowner associations to speak on behalf of the global industry.”
The CSA is a voluntary trade organisation whose members are owners, operators and managers of merchant ships registered in China. The CSA assists Chinese government agencies to regulate and maintain fair competition and reflect the views of its membership.
ICS chair Emanuele Grimaldi said China plays an influential role in maritime transport on the international stage as a hub for global shipping.
“This membership will strengthen our ability to work together, united as an industry, to tackle the most pressing issues facing shipping such as decarbonisation. It is only through partnership that we will all succeed,” Mr Grimaldi said.
“The whole of the ICS membership look forward to working with the CSA, and to enhance future co-operation with the Chinese shipping industry as we address the challenges ahead for our sector.”
CSA vice-president Zhang Shouguo said his organisation’s participation in the ICS would provide Chinese shipowners with a stepping stone.
“[Chinese shipowners] can contribute to globalisation by constructing a safe supply chain and making the Chinese shipping industry heard,” he said.
“Chinese shipowners will grow together with other international maritime companies. CSA also hopes to make use of the ICS information platform to provide more assistance to the Chinese shipping industry, and also the necessary support for the transition to low-carbon green shipping.
“The co-operation between the China Shipowners’ Association and the ICS will have an important impact on both parties. It is believed that the participation of the China Shipowners’ Association will enrich the ICS platform.”
