The China Shipowners’ Association (CSA) has joined the board of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) as a full member of the organisation, effective since January 1.
ICS welcomed the association to the board, which oversees the policy positions it presents on behalf of shipowners worldwide to the shipping industry’s global regulators, including the UN International Maritime Organization and the International Labour Organization. ICS comprises national and regional shipowner associations who speak on behalf of the global industry.
“As a hub for global shipping, China plays a major role in maritime transport, including an influential role on the international stage,” said ICS chair Emanuele Grimaldi. “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.
“The whole of the ICS membership look forward to working with the CSA, and to enhance future cooperation with the Chinese shipping industry as we address the challenges ahead for our sector.”
Executive vice-president of the CSA, Zhang Shouguo, said participation in the ICS would provide Chinese shipowners with a stepping stone to contribute to globalisation by constructing a safe supply chain and give the local industry a voice.
“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,” Shouguo said,
“The cooperation 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. We look forward to achieving win-win cooperation and mutual development in the future,” he added.
Established in 1993, the CSA is a voluntary trade organisation whose members are owners, operators and managers of merchant ships registered in the People’s Republic of China. It assists Chinese government agencies to regulate and maintain fair competition and reflect the views of its membership.
