*  PRESS RELEASE  *  PRESS RELEASE  *  PRESS RELEASE  *  PRESS RELEASE  *  PRESS RELEASE  *  PRESS RELEASE  * ICS & ISF Press Releases  2007   2006     2005     2004     2003 ICS Chairman:  Sulphur Deal Amongst IMO’s Finest Moments Pilots and Shipowners Produce Safety Guidance on Boarding Ladders ICS Welcomes Provisional IMO Agreement on Sulphur Content In Marine Fuel 5 February 2008 - New ICS Environment Code 1 February 2008 - Employers and Unions Unite to Back Fair Treatment for Seafarers Following Maritime Accidents 16 January 2008 - Following the Round Table Chairmen’s Meeting, in Athens On January 10th 2008 4 December 2007 - Shipping Industry Flag State Performance Table 30 November 2007 - ICS Welcomes IMO Ballast Water Agreement 21 November 2007 - Shipping Industry Launches New Guidance on Environmental Compliance 5 November 2007 - ICS Launches Updated Bridge Procedures Guide 27 September 2007 - IMO World Maritime Day 2007 Round Table of international shipping associations marks the IMO World Maritime Day 2007 7 September 2007 - Finnish Shipowners’ Association 75th Anniversary: ICS/ISF Chairman/President Stresses Need for Competitive Shipping Industry and Commitment to High Environment Performance  19 July 2007 - Shipping industry announces interim initiative on ship recycling  17 July 2007 - ICS Frustration at IMO Inability to solve ballast water treatment dilemma 11 June 2007 - ICS and ISF Meet in Hong Kong 20 April 2007 - ICS Endorses Proposal for Sweeping IMO Study on Shps' Air Emissions 12 March 2007 - ICS Conveys Shipping Industry Concerns about Panama Canal Toll Hikes 20 February 2007 - ICS Launches Film On Internet To Promote Global Shipping Industry 6 February 2007 - ICS sets out shipping industry's approach to reducing air emissions 30 January 2007 - ICS and national shipowners' associations campaign for ratification of IMO Conventions 24 January 2007 - International Shipping Industry Supports UK Approach to Responding to Maritime Incidents 19 January 2007 - STW January 2007 12 December 2006 - ICS and ISF Comment on EU Maritime Policy Review 9 October 2006 -ISF Produces Definitive Guide for Ship Operators on New ILO Maritime Labour Convention 28 September 2006 - Shipping Industry Marks World Maritime Day with Support for IMO Model Audit Scheme, and Updated Shipping Facts Brochure 13 July 2006 - Tanker Industry Updates Fundamental Guidance on Best Practice 17 May 2006 - Secretary General of ICS and ISF 10 March 2006 - ICS and ISF Meet in Washington DC 30 March 2006 - Shipping Industry Commits to Improvement in Atmospheric Pollution Standards 23 February 2006 - ITF and ISF Hail Adoption of Seafarers' Labour Standards in New ILO "Superconvention" 14 February 2006 - Shipping Industry Issues Reminder on the Use of Oily Water Separators and Compliance with MARPOL 30 January 2006 - Industry Group Study on Incidents of Explosions on Chemical and Product Tankers I9 December 2005 - ICS Urges WTO Negotiators to Recognise Importance of Maintaining Efficient Maritime Services 2 December 2005 - Publication of the BIMCO/ISF Manpower 2005 Update 16 November 2005 - Shipping Industry Updates Flag State Performance Table on Eve of Adoption of IMO Member State Audit Scheme 14 October 2005 - ICS and ISF Express Satisfaction with Amended SUA Convention 13 October 2005 - Oil Pollution Liability – ICS Urges Governments To Reject Even ‘Limited’ CLC/Fund Revision 26 September 2005 - International Shipping - Carrier of World Trade  16 August 2005 - Shipowners Challenge Malacca Strait War Risk Zone 15 July 2005 - OCIMF and ICS Launch Revised Ship to Ship Transfer Guide 8 July 2005 - ICS Welcomes IMO Decision to Explore Electronic Ships' Documents 4 July 2005 - ICS Warns US Trading Ships About Non-Tank Vessel Response Plans 24 May 2005 - ICS and ISF Meet In Copenhagen 17 May 2005 - ICS and ISF Launch 2005 Annual Review in Conjunction with AGMs 16 February 2005 - BIMCO/ISF Manpower Update 2005 Under Way 2 February 2005 - ICS Highlights EU Threat to International Maritime Law and Reviews Continuing Security Problems 6 December 2004 - Shipping Industry Updates Flag State Performance Table 29 September 2004 - Shipping industry appeals to Colin Powell on seafarers’ shore leave 16 September 2004 - Shipping Industry Launches shippingfacts.com 14 July 2004 - Shipping Industry Unites  to Back Security and Seafarers’ Shore Leave 29 June 2004 - ICS Call for Rigour but Rationality on Eve of ISPS Code Deadline 12 May 2004 - ICS and ISF meet at Cambridge 9 March 2004 - The Continuing Plight of the 'Karachi Eight' 4 March 2004 - ICS Issues Stark Reminder to Ship Operators with ISPS Code Checklist 6 January 2004 - New Industry Guidance on Pirate Attacks to Help Ship Security Officers 24 November 2003 - Shipping Industry Launches Guidelines on Flag State Performance 7 November 2003 - ICS Launches Model Ship Security Plan 6 October 2003 - Shipowners, Shipbuilders and Classification Societies in Tripartite Dialogue "Towards a Quality and Rational Industry"  12 June 2003 - Maritime Security: Guidance for Ship Operators on the IMO International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code 14 May 2003 - ICS and ISF meet in Japan   17 April 2008 ICS Chairman: Sulphur Deal Amongst IMO’s Finest Moments Speaking at the DNV UK Maritime Forum today (Thursday 17 April), the Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, Mr Spyros M Polemis, spoke about the successful and decisive IMO agreement for reducing ships’ sulphur emissions achieved by IMO governments two weeks ago. He said that the agreement represented one of IMO’s ‘finest moments’, not only for the governments involved, who would be able to ensure the protection of the health of their citizens, but also for IMO’s system of international regulation, which was so important to the industry.  Assuming the deal is confirmed by the IMO nations in October, ICS earnestly hopes that this will be enough to satisfy the politicians – especially in North America and Europe - that there was no need for unilateral regulations at variance with the IMO regime.   Mr Polemis remarked “It has certainly confounded the sceptics who believed that IMO could not meet the challenge of delivering an agreed outcome to introduce more stringent standards for air emissions on an acceptable timescale.”  Commenting on the IMO’s proposal to progressively reduce sulphur emissions globally to the equivalent of 0.5% sulphur content in fuel by 2020, and in designated sensitive coastal areas to 0.1% sulphur content by 2015, Mr Polemis said:   “This should give the oil refiners the time they need to make the necessary investment decisions in order to ensure that the required quantities of low sulphur fuel will be readily available, at a reasonable cost.”  Mr Polemis said that ICS had been determined to ensure that the IMO regulatory solution was based on a proper scientific analysis of the net environmental benefits, and a full appreciation of the oil industry’s ability to deliver the new fuels required – something which was achieved by the work of the IMO Scientific Working Group in 2007 and which had made the recent IMO agreement possible.  He was especially pleased that the IMO agreement was consistent with the principles which ICS had advocated throughout the complex negotiations during the last 18 months: the need for goal based compliance options; the need to take account of the impact on other emissions; the need to stimulate technical innovation; and agreement on both short term and longer term goals.    Above all, said Mr Polemis, the agreement took the industry forward towards its goal of eliminating all forms of maritime pollution, globally.  -end- 9 April 2008 Pilots and Shipowners Produce Safety Guidance on Boarding Ladders The International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) has joined forces with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) to produce a new brochure aimed at shipping companies and seafarers, reminding them of the vital need to ensure that ladders used for pilot transfers are always rigged correctly. IMPA Secretary General, Nick Cutmore, explained: ‘Sadly, several pilots have lost their lives in recent years as a result of accidents while boarding or disembarking from ships, and many more have been seriously injured.  We are therefore very pleased by the support we have received from ICS and ISF, and other industry organisations, in helping to promote the message to seafarers and company management about the need to rig pilot ladders safely in accordance with SOLAS.’ ICS Marine Director, Peter Hinchliffe , added: ‘Pilots come aboard ship to assist seafarers during the most critical and demanding phases of a voyage, and its important that shipping companies and crews do everything possible to ensure their safety during transfer operations.  Two common causes of accidents are defects in the structure of the ladder treads or ropes, or a lack of a proper attachment between the ladder and the ship which the pilot is boarding.’  The new guidance is being distributed throughout the industry by the national shipowners’ and pilots’ associations that make up the memberships of ICS, ISF and IMPA.  The brochure is also supported by BIMCO, Intercargo, Intertanko, OCIMF, SIGTTO and the Nautical Institute.  An electronic copy of the brochure can be downloaded here.  -end- Notes: The International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA) is a professional, non-profit making body, primarily concerned with promoting professional standards of pilotage worldwide in the interests of pilots’ safety. To date, it has some 8,000 members in well over 40 countries.  IMPA seeks to achieve its principal objective, the promotion of professionally sound and safe pilotage. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) are the principal international trade association and employers’ organisation for the global shipping industry, with a membership comprising national shipowners’ associations from 40 countries, representing about 75% of the world merchant fleet, in all sectors and trades. 4 April 2008 ICS Welcomes Provisional IMO Agreement on Sulphur Content In Marine Fuel Subject to consultation with its member national shipowners’ associations, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) – which represents all sectors and trades of the merchant shipping industry – has broadly welcomed the provisional agreement reached by the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO), in London today (Friday), concerning more stringent standards for sulphur content in ships’ fuel. ICS Chairman, Spyros M Polemis commented:  “This is an impressive and decisive agreement by governments at IMO which should ensure that coastal states can protect the health of their citizens while providing shipowners with the regulatory certainty needed to operate their ships on a global basis.  The ambitious timetable proposed for the introduction of low sulphur fuels - which in some coastal areas will require the use of 0.1% sulphur fuels by 2015 - will mean an unprecedented adjustment for the shipping industry, and will probably result in significant additional fuel costs.  However, the oil refiners should hopefully have the time they need to make the necessary investment decisions in order to ensure the significantly increased availability of low sulphur fuels that will be required, at reasonable cost.”    Mr Polemis emphasised: “Assuming the deal is confirmed by IMO nations in October, we earnestly hope this will be enough to satisfy the politicians – especially in North America and Europe - that there is no need to develop unilateral regulations at variance  with  the IMO regime, which would result in operational chaos.   In view of the costs to industry, it will also be important for governments to take steps to ensure that short sea shipping does not become less competitive in comparison to other transport modes which are less environmentally friendly, particular in respect of carbon emissions.”  Mr Polemis added: “It is in the nature of compromises that not every party involved may be entirely happy with the outcome, but ICS is committed to encouraging the industry to meet its side of the bargain.   We are especially pleased that the IMO agreement is consistent with the principles which ICS has advocated throughout the complex negotiations during the last 18 months: the need for goal based compliance options, the need to take account of the impact on other emissions, the need to stimulate technical innovation, and agreement on both short term and longer term goals.    Above all, this agreement takes us forward towards our goal of eliminating all forms of maritime pollution, globally.” -end- Notes: The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for the shipping industry, with a membership comprising national shipowners’ associations from 36 countries, representing about 70% of the world merchant fleet, in all sectors and trades. 5 February 2008 New ICS Environment Code The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has updated its Code of Practice on Shipping and the Environment.  The expanded 4th edition is intended to provide a concise but comprehensive summary of the environmental obligations of shipping companies as required by the latest international regulations, and a clear set of environmental standards by which companies should operate.  The Code also incorporates a recommended management framework to ensure compliance with the MARPOL Convention. ICS Secretary General, Tony Mason explained “The ICS Environment Code  also contains information about the current overall environmental performance of the industry.  As with previous editions, we hope this will prove a useful tool to help policy makers understand that shipping remains the most environmentally benign form of commercial transport.”   The new edition is available from maritime booksellers (or direct from Marisec Publications for UK £25, including worldwide airmail delivery - see www.marisec.org/pubs.) -end- 1 February 2008 Employers and Unions Unite to Back Fair Treatment for Seafarers Following Maritime Accidents   The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the International Shipping Federation (ISF) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) have joined forces in a new initiative to help protect seafarers involved in maritime accidents. The three organisations, which represent maritime employers and trade unions worldwide, announced today in London that they have united to support and promote the IMO and ILO Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers In The Event Of A Maritime Accident. As part of the campaign the three organisations are distributing posters (supported by websites and leaflets) worldwide to show seafarers how the Guidelines can help protect them.  They are also encouraging their members -  national shipowners’ associations belonging to the ISF and ICS, and seafarers’ unions affiliated to the ITF - to approach their governments in order to promote the Guidelines and to monitor how effectively they are being implemented. ISF/ICS Secretary General, Tony Mason explained: “As responsible employers, we believe its is very important that the IMO/ILO Guidelines, which represent the internationally accepted minimum standard for the fair treatment of seafarers by investigating authorities, are indeed implemented in practice by governments.  Seafarers must be treated with dignity and respect, and given access to independent legal representation in situations where they may be interviewed or held following an accident at sea.” ITF General Secretary, David Cockroft, remarked: “The knee-jerk scapegoating of seafarers following accidents at sea is a growing concern to us all.  In recent years the response of too many national authorities has been to reach for the handcuffs first and find out what actually happened last. “Incidents like these prove how vital the Guidelines are. I’m proud to say that the ITF and ISF in their capacity as ILO ‘social partners’, with support from ICS and other industry organisations, helped to develop these Guidelines, which were the product of tripartite negotiations with governments prior to their agreement by IMO and ILO.”   Speaking at a press conference to launch the joint effort the two men displayed the Maritime Accidents. Seafarers – Be Aware! posters that the organisations are distributing for use on ships, in seafarers’ missions and in other locations around the world.  These can also be downloaded from either www.marisec.org/fairtreatment or www.itfglobal.org/fairtreatment, where the IMO/ILO Guidelines also appear in full.   Meanwhile the three organisations are sending the following letter to the Secretary-General of the IMO and the Director-General of the ILO:   To Mr E E Mitropoulos, IMO Secretary-General, and Mr Juan Somavia, ILO Director-General   1 February 2008 Dear Mr Mitropoulos and Mr Somavia, FAIR TREATMENT OF SEAFARERS FOLLOWING MARITIME ACCIDENTS We are writing with regard to a joint campaign being launched today by the International Shipping Federation (ISF), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) to promote the Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the Event of a Maritime Accident, adopted by IMO and ILO in 2006.  As you are both well aware, the treatment by national authorities of seafarers unfortunate enough to be involved in maritime casualties or pollution incidents is an extremely important issue for the shipping industry, especially in the light of recent high profile cases around the world, where masters and crews have been detained by investigating authorities, apparently without adherence to proper due legal process.  It was, of course, such incidents that led to the adoption by governments of the IMO/ILO Fair Treatment Guidelines, in order to address the key responsibilities of detaining States as well as those of the vessel’s flag State and the seafarers’ country of residence.  It is therefore very important that the IMO/ILO Guidelines, which represent the internationally accepted minimum standard for the treatment of seafarers by investigating authorities, are implemented by governments, and we are now actively promoting the IMO/ILO Guidelines throughout the industry.  As part of our global campaign we are distributing posters worldwide to show seafarers how the Guidelines can help protect them, and we are encouraging our members, who of course are national maritime employers’ associations and national seafarers’ unions, to approach governments to promote the Guidelines and monitor how effectively they are being implemented.  For information, a copy of the poster drawing attention to the Guidelines is enclosed. We are sure that IMO and ILO will welcome this campaign by the industry’s social partners and our objective of ensuring that these important IMO/ILO Guidelines are indeed implemented in practice. Yours faithfully Tony Mason                                                David Cockcroft Secretary General, ICS/ISF                            General Secretary, ITF -end- For more details please contact: ITF press officer Sam Dawson  Email: dawson_sam@itf.org.uk. Tel: +44 (0)20 7940 9260 ICS/ISF spokesperson Simon Bennett Email: simon.bennett@marisec.org.Tel: +44 (0)20 7417 8844 16 January 2008 Following the Round Table Chairmen’s Meeting, in Athens On January 10th 2008 At a meeting of the four Chairmen of the Round Table industry organizations (BIMCO, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, ICS), held in Athens last week, environmental issues constituted the most important topic on the agenda. The report on the outcome of IMO's Informal Cross Government/Industry Scientific Group of Experts, established to evaluate the effects of the different fuel options proposed under the revision of MARPOL Annex VI, and its findings were welcomed and it was felt that IMO, the Secretary-General and the Chairman and members of the Group deserve to be congratulated for the speed with which such an important task was accomplished and for the fact that the deliberations, fact findings and conclusions were reached so quickly. The Round Table associations now urge the IMO Members to continue, in the same spirit, their efforts to find appropriate and pragmatic solutions within the current year 2008 that will have a net benefit on the environment on a global basis.  After a lengthy discussion on the subject, it was concluded that new and more stringent regulations for air emissions covered by Marpol Annex VI should be adopted before the end of this year, providing defined and progressive improvements to the existing standards. The Shipping Industry stands alongside IMO and is in all respects ready to assist in this process. The IMO Members are also urged to intensify their efforts to implement existing legislation by, among other things, providing reception facilities worldwide. It is unacceptable that, so many years after the regulations came into force, there are still no adequate reception facilities in a large number of ports while ports having such facilities charge excessively for their use thus deterring ships from using them. Charging for reception facilities within the overall port charges, rather than based on individual usage, would be more transparent. The four Chairmen strongly believe that the provision of reception facilities will go a long way towards eliminating operational pollution. They are also of the firm belief that governments and the Industry should work together to strive for zero pollution of the environment, both in the air and at sea. -end- For more details please contact: BIMCO   Peter Grube pg@bimco.dk Tel : +45 44 36 6800 INTERCARGO  Rob Lomas rob.lomas@intercargo.org Tel: +44 20 7977 7036 International Chamber of Shipping/International Shipping Federation Simon Bennett simon.bennett@marisec.org Tel: +44 20 7417 2857 INTERTANKO   Bill Box bill.box@intertanko.com Tel: +44 20 7977 7023   4 December 2007 Shipping Industry Flag State Performance Table The Round Table of international shipping associations (BIMCO, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)/International Shipping Federation (ISF), Intercargo and Intertanko) have updated their annual ‘Shipping Industry Flag State Performance Table’, using information in the public domain such as port state control inspection records, data on the ratification of IMO and ILO Conventions, and official reports about the use of non-IACS classification societies and quality standards with regard to seafarer competence standards.  The Table is intended to provide a general appreciation of a flag’s performance and whether further questions need to be asked by shipping companies when choosing to use particular flags. The following flags this year have 12 or more negative performance indicators: Albania , Bolivia , Cambodia , Congo , Costa Rica , Honduras , Kenya , Madagascar , Mongolia , North Korea , Sao Tome and Principe , Suriname , Syria and Thailand .  The Table can also be downloaded at www.marisec.org/flag-performance, as can the Shipping Industry Guidelines on Flag State Performance which should be read in conjunction with the Table. For more details please contact: BIMCO   Peter Grube pg@bimco.dk Tel : +45 44 36 6800 INTERCARGO  Rob Lomas rob.lomas@intercargo.org Tel: +44 20 7977 7036 International Chamber of Shipping/International Shipping Federation Simon Bennett simon.bennett@marisec.org Tel: +44 20 7417 2857 INTERTANKO   Bill Box bill.box@intertanko.com Tel: +44 20 7977 7023 -end- 30 November 2007 ICS Welcomes IMO Ballast Water Agreement The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has welcomed the agreement concluded at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly (which concluded in London this week) concerning a delay in the enforcement dates for new ships’ ballast water treatment equipment, necessitated by the 2004 Ballast Water Management Convention having not yet entered into force, and the lack of type-approved equipment.  ICS Marine Manager, David Tongue , who led ICS in the complex negotiations at IMO, remarked: “We are very pleased that the compromise proposal put forward by ICS, with helpful support from Intertanko and OCIMF, has been agreed by governments and that new ships constructed from 2009 will not be required to have the new equipment fitted until their second annual survey or end 2011, whichever is the sooner.”  IMO also agreed, as requested by ICS, that the Marine Environment Protection Committee should revisit the question of ships constructed in 2010. “A major obstacle to ratification by governments of the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention has thus hopefully been removed, and ICS will continue its campaign to see that this important Convention enters into force as soon as possible.  In the meantime, ICS members will remain committed to performing deep water ballast exchange, whenever it is safe to do so, and co-operating with voluntary coastal state requirements.” ICS has been calling on governments to address the problems associated with the development of new ballast water treatment equipment since the 2004 IMO Conference which adopted a fixed date of 2009 for its mandatory use by certain ships constructed after this date, when it was unknown if the Convention would be in force by this time, or if the required type-approved technology would be available, which it is not.  “We are especially grateful to the IMO Secretary General who proposed a draft Assembly Resolution which provided the basis of the current agreement,” added Mr Tongue of ICS. More generally, ICS has greatly welcomed the significant statement to the Assembly by the IMO Secretary General that care should be taken when laying down dates in future conventions, the implementation of which may rely, in particular, on technologies which may not be available when needed, acknowledging an issue which has been consistently highlighted by ICS for several years. -end-   21 November 2007 Shipping Industry Launches New Guidance on Environmental Compliance The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) have published new ‘Shipping Industry Guidance on Environmental Compliance’ as a template for ensuring adherence to the IMO MARPOL Convention.  The Guidance  is also supported by BIMCO, Intercargo, Intertanko, OCIMF and SIGTTO.   The Shipping Industry Guidance is also intended to satisfy environmental compliance programmes introduced by governments, such as the United States Coast Guard ‘Environmental Crimes: Voluntary Disclosure Policy’.    The Shipping Industry Guidance sets out various elements to be reviewed in order that shipping company Boards of Directors can verify full environmental compliance throughout their operations.  This includes advice on instilling corporate and individual responsibility for compliance amongst both shore based management and seagoing staff; the need for training in the vital importance of environmental compliance - including consequences of MARPOL violations such as criminal penalties and imprisonment; and the importance of proper budgeting and investment in technical equipment, auditing and reporting systems. The development of the new industry Guidance has been prompted by disappointment at the number of prosecutions for MARPOL violations which continue to be brought against shipping companies, especially in the United States, and draws upon discussions with the US authorities.  The input of the Chamber of Shipping of America and the Liberian Shipowners’ Council, which are members of ICS and ISF, has been particularly helpful in drawing up the Guidance.  The industry recommends that the management of every shipping company should thoroughly review its Safety Management Systems, as required by the IMO International Safety Management (ISM) Code, to ensure that environmental compliance is fully addressed in every respect.  It is of the utmost importance that every Board of Directors is sure that, if requested, it can verify total environmental compliance throughout the company. The Guidance also stresses that a system should be in place whereby any suspected non-compliance with environmental requirements can be reported to management without fear of retaliation against employees.   In a welcome development, the United States Coast Guard has recently made public its ‘Environmental Crimes: Voluntary Disclosure Policy’ which permits the Coast Guard to waive any criminal proceedings if a company has a documented systematic program to prevent, detect and correct violations.  There are many close parallels between the Shipping Industry Guidance on Environmental Compliance and the USCG voluntary disclosure policy.  A company operating in accordance with the Shipping Industry Guidance should be confidant that this will provide protection against criminal proceedings for any violations that the company may detect.   The Shipping Industry Guidelines on Environmental Compliance are being distributed free of charge to companies worldwide by national shipowners’ associations and other supporting organisations, but can also be downloaded here. -end-   5 November 2007 ICS Launches Updated Bridge Procedures Guide The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has published a fully updated edition of the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide, which is intended to reflect best navigational practice on ships today, in all sectors and trades.  It is strongly recommended that a copy of the Guide is carried on board every ship. “The increasing use of sophisticated navigational aids brings its own risks.” commented ICS Marine Adviser,  John Murray who, with expert advice from ICS’s member national shipowners’ associations, has co-ordinated the revision of the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide.  “The new ICS Guide therefore stresses the need for vigilance against undue reliance on new technology.” said Mr Murray. ”Experience continues to demonstrate that properly formulated procedures and the development of bridge team work are critical to maintaining a safe navigational watch.”   The ICS Guide embraces the latest internationally agreed standards and recommendations adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).  It also includes helpful bridge and emergency checklists for use by ship’s masters and navigating officers. The new edition takes account of the increased use of modern electronic charting systems, and the introduction of equipment such as Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).  Guidance concerning pilotage has also been thoroughly updated, while advice about dynamic positioning has been included. The 4th edition of the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide including an accompanying CD with “search function” version is being sold for UK £60.  It is available from maritime booksellers or visit www.marisec.orgs/pubs. -end- ICS is the principal international trade association representing the international shipping industry at fora such as IMO.  Its membership comprises national shipowners’ associations from 36 nations representing all sectors and trades and around 75% of the world’s merchant tonnage.  The previous edition of the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide was published in 1998.  The first edition was published in 1977 and has since been acknowledged as the leading best practice guidance for use by navigational watchkeepers on ships.    27 September 2007 IMO World Maritime Day 2007 Round Table of international shipping associations marks the IMO World Maritime Day 2007 President of BIMCO Mr. Philip Embiricos today pledged the continuing commitment of the global shipping industry to working alongside the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) in developing solutions to environmental challenges. Speaking for the Round Table of international shipping associations – BIMCO, ICS/ISF, Intercargo and INTERTANKO on board the HQS Wellington on the Thames in London , at an event marking the IMO’s World Maritime Day 2007, Mr Embiricos said that the industry was fully conscious of the need to make shipping even more sustainable. Even though shipping was the mode of commercial transport offering the smallest environmental footprint, the theme for the day – “IMO’s response to current environmental challenges" was an indication that more was expected of both regulators and the industry in making shipping greener still. Mr. Embiricos explained that the Round Table believed that, after many years progress in the reduction of oil pollution and others issues such as ballast water management and the elimination of TBT hull coatings, it was now necessary to complete the job of tackling atmospheric emissions - notably sulphur oxides (SOx) nitrous oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), greenhouse gas emissions and in particular CO2. The current important work in updating the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) will further limit atmospheric emissions. The Round Table organisations are closely involved with the IMO’s Scientific Group of experts, who are currently evaluating the implications of practical proposals for reducing harmful emissions from ships without negative impacts. Mr Embiricos said that “a balanced mix of technological advances and operational improvements will no doubt deliver what is needed” to tackle a range of environmental challenges facing shipping, but if world trade growth is to continue at a healthy rate, a balance between improving the environment and additional transport cost must be maintained. The shipping industry is also continuing to work with the IMO in devising practical and sound methods of ship recycling, and working to implement IMO Conventions that regulate water ballast management and the use of harmful anti-fouling coatings. Eventually, said Mr Embiricos, the Round Table believed that, the progress of this cumulative work would produce ships with minimal environmental footprints, self-contained and with virtually “zero discharges”.  Industry, technology and science working through the IMO, would, he said, succeed in these objectives. To mark the World Maritime Day, IMO and the Round Table organisations have produced a joint leaflet, telling the story of their combined efforts. It is available for download through the Shipping Facts website: www.shippingfacts.com. Notes for editors The Round Table of international shipping associations includes BIMCO, ICS (the International Chamber of Shipping), Intercargo (The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners) and INTERTANKO (The International Association of Independent Tanker Owners). These organisations represent all segments of the industry including the owners and managers of all types of ships. Round Table press contacts: BIMCO   Peter Grube pg@bimco.dk Tel : +45 44 36 6800 INTERCARGO  Rob Lomas rob.lomas@intercargo.org Tel: +44 20 7977 7036 International Chamber of Shipping/International Shipping Federation Simon Bennett simon.bennett@marisec.org Tel: +44 20 7417 2857 INTERTANKO   Bill Box bill.box@intertanko.com Tel: +44 20 7977 7023 -end- 7 September 2007 Finnish Shipowners’ Association 75th Anniversary:  ICS/ISF Chairman/President Stresses Need for Competitive Shipping Industry and Commitment to High Environment Performance  In Helsinki today (7 September 2007), Spyros M Polemis, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping and President of the International Shipping Federation, addressed leading members of the Finnish maritime community at seminar held in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the Finnish Shipowners’ Association.  “Our mantra is global regulation for a global industry” said Mr Polemis “with consistent and enforceable rules adopted by the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization.  But collectively we must also promote best practice within the industry with regard to safety, environmental performance and labour standards – in other words, we are committed to a continuous improvement with the ultimate goal of virtually zero accidents, zero fatalities and zero pollution by ships.”    Mr Polemis remarked that after a difficult period in the 1990s, the fortunes of Finnish shipping were starting to improve.  He noted that work was now being done with the Finnish government to consider modifying the tonnage tax regime and to undertake serious discussions about improving Finnish shipping’s competitiveness. He commented: “Finland is one of the few serious maritime nations which lacks an effective tonnage tax regime, the introduction of which has brought such dividends to the competitiveness and growth of ship registers in other countries.  “This is an excellent time for Finland to take advantage of the great prospects for shipping which is predicted to continue expanding, as it responds to the demand for its services generated by the increase in world trade - 90% of which is carried by ships.  In particular Finland is ideally placed to take advantage of the growth in Russian trade, and the opportunities both in the Baltic and the Arctic Seas.” Mr Polemis remarked that intercontinental trade, the bulk transport of raw materials, and the import/export of affordable food and manufactured goods would simply not be possible without maritime transport. “But how many people outside the shipping industry stop to consider just how safe, efficient and fantastically economic maritime transport really is?”  He explained that the typical cost to the consumer in the United States of transporting crude oil from the Middle East was less than one US cent per gallon of petrol, that the cost of transporting a tonne of iron ore from Australia to Europe by sea was about ten US dollars, while the cost of shipping a bottle of Finnish vodka to China was about 20 cents. Discussing how economies of scale and technological advances had allowed the costs of shipping to decrease dramatically Mr Polemis emphasised that as the requirement for shipping services grew it was important to reflect on the impact of shipping’s activities on the environment. He stressed that ICS/ISF and its members, including the Finnish Shipowners’ Association, had actively encouraged the earliest possible entry into force of MARPOL Annex VI (the new United Nations’ International Maritime Organization rules governing stricter air emission standards from ships) and the implementation of the new Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) in the Baltic, with its stricter local requirements for sulphur content in fuel.  He added that industry support for these rules on air emission controls was given in the full knowledge that as soon as the international regulations came into force they would immediately need to be subject to further review, and that additional, and more stringent, air emission standards for ships would need to be developed.  The latest IMO review of MARPOL Annex VI, expected to lead to updated global air emission rules in April 2008, is fully supported by the shipping industry.    -end- 19 July 2007 Shipping Industry Announces Interim Initiative on Ship Recycling The shipping industry today announced the launch of a series of important measures to promote the safe and environmentally sound recycling of end-of-life ships. Endorsed by members of the Industry Working Group on Ship Recycling (International Chamber of Shipping, BIMCO, International Association of Classification Societies, Intercargo, Intertanko, International Parcel Tankers Association, Oil Companies International Marine Forum) the document “Interim Measures” outlines five principles for shipowners to follow when selling ships for recycling.  A copy of these Interim Measures is attached and they can also be downloaded at www.marisec.org/recycling.  These principles, derived from the draft IMO Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, recommend actions which shipowners might feasibly take when selling vessels for demolition.  The measures are intended to contribute to improved recycling practices and to the development of the draft IMO Convention, and include the selection of ship recycling facilities, completion of an inventory of any hazardous materials on board and arrangements to ensure as far as possible that ships are ‘gas free’ throughout the recycling process. Detailed guidance material supporting these Interim Measures is also being developed for publication in due course and will be updated in light of industry experience and any changes to the text of the current draft Convention. Peter Hinchliffe (ICS), Chairman of the Industry Working Group on Ship Recycling, explained:  “Since the development of the Industry Code of Practice on Ship Recycling in the late nineties the shipping Industry has been committed to action on the issue of ship recycling, and we continue to support the development of the new IMO Convention.” “However, we also recognise that much work remains to be done through IMO, and that the Convention may well face a prolonged entry into force period following its eventual adoption. It is the belief of the shipping industry that all stakeholders in the recycling process should utilise that time to bring their practices up to an acceptable standard that will assist the implementation of the Convention.” Mr Hinchliffe added:  “We believe these measures are a significant step towards this end.  They identify what can, at present, be practically undertaken by shipowners who wish to sell their ships in accordance with the provisions of the draft Convention.  The key benefit of this initiative is that it will be continually updated as work on the recycling standards progresses at IMO and as we gain more experience as an industry.  It should also assist the development of the Convention by identifying what can be done both commercially and operationally.” He concluded: “Industry believes that action on the part of stakeholders and governments will be key to fulfilling the potential of the work currently being taken at IMO, and hopes that this initiative will serve to encourage similar and complementary activity throughout the recycling world." -end- 17 July 2007 ICS Frustration at IMO Inability to Solve Ballast Water Treatment Dilemma The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has expressed profound disappointment at the failure of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to agree to a delay to the introduction of new ships’ ballast water treatment equipment, at its meeting in London last week.  ICS Marine Director, Peter Hinchliffe explained: “ICS has been seeking a solution to an impossible dilemma confronting shipowners currently placing orders for many new ships, which under the terms of the 2004 Ballast Water Management Convention will be required to be fitted with special treatment equipment to eliminate nuisance aquatic species if constructed after 1 January 2009.   MEPC confirmed that once the Convention enters into force this date will apply regardless of the time when it actually comes into effect.   The problem, quite simply, is that there is still no equipment available that is officially proven to comply with the required IMO standards for treatment systems.” While the majority of governments were sympathetic to the recommendation of ICS that the date of application of Regulation D-2 should be delayed until adequate technology and equipment had been type-approved in accordance with IMO Guidelines, some governments which had already ratified the Convention decided to oppose an MEPC Resolution as the mechanism for achieving such a delay.  Without the required unanimity it was decided to postpone any decision until the next MEPC meeting in April 2008. “This will be too late to help shipowners and shipyards which already have building contracts for 2009.” said Peter Hinchliffe.  “ICS raised this issue at last year’s MEPC meeting, when it was then decided no decision could be taken for a year without further legal advice.  Now we have to wait almost another year.”  He added:  “The situation is all the more frustrating since, given the seriousness with which we take our environmental responsibilities, ICS has been actively encouraging governments to ratify the IMO Convention, as soon as possible, in order to bring it into force. “It is bizarre that while so many governments have proved unable to ratify a Convention which was meant to be so important, shipowners will be required to comply with a stringent complex new requirement which it is currently not possible to fulfil." -end-     11 June 2007 ICS and ISF Meet in Hong Kong The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) held their Annual General Meetings in Hong Kong , from 6-9 June, at the invitation of the Hong Kong Shipowners’ Association in the year of its 50th anniversary.   The representatives of national shipowners’ associations from 40 countries discussed a number of important regulatory issues:  Air Emissions and Revision of MARPOL Annex VI ICS/ISF members firmly welcomed the proposal by the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for a ‘Cross-government industry- scientific working group’ to evaluate the strategy to be adopted by IMO for further reducing ships’ air emissions.  ICS Chairman/ISF President, Spyros Polemis, explained:  “Our meetings agreed that national shipowners’ associations should strongly encourage their governments to support this helpful proposal at the important meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee in July.  ‘We are very pleased that, at this stage at least, it appears to have been acknowledged that IMO should not opt for a simplistic solution without a proper analysis of the implications including, we hope, the parallel issue of CO2 emissions.  However, our meetings also recognised the urgency and political imperative of IMO adopting more stringent air emission standards as soon as possible no later than early 2008 – a point recently underlined by our discussions with the Environment Directorate of the European Commission.  We must discourage unilateral and regional action, and the IMO study must be conducted speedily to identify the best practical means for delivering maximum net environmental benefit.”      Mr. Polemis stressed:  “The long term goal of ICS and ISF members, once the technology needed is available, is near zero emissions with regard to air pollution from ships, greatly reduced CO2 emissions, and a neutral overall impact on the environment as a whole.  In the meantime, we are firmly committed to working with governments, through IMO, to deliver the best possible interim solutions.”   Limitation of Liability    The meetings confirmed the opposition of ICS/ISF to the draft EU Directive on the Civil Liability and Financial Securities of Shipowners, which would introduce more stringent rules for ships flagged in States not party to the 1996 Protocol to the IMO Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims Convention.  The draft Directive introduces ‘gross negligence’ as conduct barring limitation; and a requirement for all ships trading to Europe to furnish certificates of financial responsibility issued by EU Members States instead of P&I Clubs’ certificates of entry as required by IMO Guidelines.  Mr. Polemis remarked:  “It is very much hoped that EU Member States will continue their opposition to this ill-considered EU Directive which will dilute the ability of shipowners to limit their liability, in conflict with principles established by IMO, and which adopts the mistaken premise that unlimited liabilities will somehow make the industry safer and more responsible.  It would be wrong to confuse the concepts of liability with punishment, and to damage the tried and tested international system of compensation whereby claimants receive prompt payments without drawn out legal arguments.”   Piracy and Somalia   The meetings expressed their deep concern about the recent hijacking of the Danish flag ship “Danica White” and the kidnapping of its crew in international waters off the coast of Somalia. “Our meetings decided that I should urgently contact the IMO Secretary General about the unacceptable threat to shipping in the waters off Somalia.” said Mr. Polemis.  “We will be urging that he uses his influence to ensure that the problem of armed attacks remains high on the agenda of IMO.”   Elections   Mr. Spyros Polemis continues his current two year term as ICS/ISF Chairman/President in 2007/2008.   However, the meetings elected Mr. Michael Everard (United Kingdom) and Mr. Robert Ho (Hong Kong) as ICS Vice Chairmen, and Mr. Patrick Decavèle (France) and Mr. Luis Ocejo (Mexico) as ISF Vice Presidents.  Note:  The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) are respectively the international trade association and the international employers’ organisation for the shipping industry.  Their membership comprises national shipowners’ associations from 40 countries collectively representing over half the world’s merchant tonnage.  Additional information about the issues discussed can be found in the ICS/ISF Annual Review 2007, published to coincide with the ICS/ISF AGMs, which can be downloaded at www.marisec.org/annualreview.     -end-     20 April 2007 ICS Endorses Proposal for Sweeping IMO Study on Ships' Air Emissions The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which represents all sectors and trades of the shipping industry and about 70% of the world merchant fleet, greatly welcomes the proposal by the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish a ‘Cross-government industry-scientific working group’ to evaluate the strategy to be adopted by IMO for further reducing ship’s air emissions.   ICS will be urging all of its member national shipowners’ associations to encourage their governments to support this helpful proposal at the important meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee in July.   At the conclusion of the IMO Sub Committee on Bulk Liquids and Gases, at which the IMO Secretary General’s suggestion of a comprehensive study of the options for tackling air emissions was made, ICS Marine Director, Peter Hinchliffe (who led the ICS delegation to the meeting) remarked:  ‘We are very pleased that the need for a holistic approach on air emissions has been accepted and that, at this stage at least, IMO has not opted for a simplistic single  solution without a proper analysis of the implications, including the parallel issue of CO2 emissions.    The industry will look forward to contributing its knowledge and expertise to the exercise.   However, we do recognise the urgency, and the political imperative, of IMO adopting more stringent air emission standards through amendments to MARPOL Annex VI as quickly as possible, not least to discourage unilateral regulation, which greatly complicates maritime trade.  The IMO study must be conducted very speedily, and identify the most effective means of delivering maximum net environmental benefit.”  -end-       12 March 2007 ICS Conveys Shipping Industry Concerns about Panama Canal Toll Hikes The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) - with the support of BIMCO, Intercargo and Intertanko - has submitted formal comments to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) expressing the shipping industry’s serious concerns about the major toll increases proposed in connection with the planned expansion of the Panama Canal.  ICS Secretary General, Tony Mason (who will be representing the industry at a public hearing in Panama on 14 March) explained:  “ICS members have cautiously accepted the concept of sectoral pricing, and the introduction of charges per berth for larger passenger vessels.  However, we are very disappointed that our repeated request that increases in tolls should be equitable,transparent and spaced over a  sufficient amount of time appear, by and large, to have been ignored.”   The industry is firmly opposed to the quantum of the proposed toll increases.  “The official Expansion Proposals referred to projected increases in tolls of 3.5% per annum over a twenty year period” said Mr Mason.  “However, the actual proposals would lead to increases ranging from 26% to 34% over the first three years (equal to 8 to 10% per annum) with increases for container carrying vessels and larger passenger ships considerably in excess of 10% per annum.”  ICS argues that in any other industry, changes of this magnitude over such a short period of time would be regarded as being unacceptably large.  ICS also believes the proposed toll increases have too short an initial notice period and are spread over too short a time period for adequate long term planning or for effective absorption of additional costs.  “In particular” said Mr Mason “the three months notice for some sectors will cause significant problems.  Six months notice of the initial increases, and phasing in the increases over, say, six rather than three years, would be far more reasonable.” ICS also argues that the PCA’s proposals do not appear to represent a fair distribution of costs between current and future users.  “Canal users feel that increases in Canal dues should be matched by a tangible improvement in the service provided, and that they should not be expected to provide up-front financing for a major infrastructure project from which they may not individually derive any benefit.” said Mr Mason.    ICS has suggested that ACP explores further the extent to which external financing can be used to spread the costs over a larger period of time.  To avoid undermining industry confidence, and given previous ACP statements about the intention to double tolls over the next twenty years (which would equate to 3.5% per annum), ICS is seeking a commitment that the overall result of present and future increases will not exceed the expected annual average of 3.5%.   Click here to view the ICS submission to the ACP.       20 February 2007   ICS Launches Film on Internet to Promote Global Shipping Industry The International Chamber of Shipping (IC