China Shipowners’ Association Officially Join  International Chamber of Shipping

China Shipowners’ Association (CSA) has officially joins the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) with effect from January 2023.

CSA will 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 (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

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.

Emanuele Grimaldi, Chair of International Chamber of Shipping, said: “I am delighted to welcome the China Shipowners’Association to full ICS membership. As a hub for global shipping China plays a major role in maritime transport, including an influential role on the international stage.

“This membership will strengthen our ability to work together, united as an industry,to tackle the most pressing issues facing shipping, such as decarbonization.

“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.”

Zhang Shouguo, Executive Vice-President of China Shipowners’ Association, said: “China Shipowners’ Association’s participation in the ICS will provide Chinese shipowners with a stepping stone, who can contribute to globalization by constructing a safe supply chain and making the Chinese shipping industry heard.

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.”

Established in 1993, CSA is a voluntary trade organization composed of owners, operators and managers of merchant ships engaged in waterway transportation and relevant shipping related entities registered in China.