Maritime Lawyers

The International Chamber of Shipping

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the international trade association for the shipping industry. It represents all sectors of and trades based both inside and outside of the European Union (EU). ICS membership comprises owners’ organizations from 36 countries including most of the EU states that actively engage in maritime trade.

The ICS helps to develop the shipping industry by imposing safety management, ship construction, and operation, including all legal and technical matters. They represent the collective views of the shipping industry from different nations, sectors, and trades.

A major focus of ICS activity is the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO is part of the United Nations and oversees the safety of human life at sea and the protection of the maritime environment.

The International Chamber of Shipping is unique in that it represents the global interests of all the different areas of trade in the shipping industry. This list includes: bulk carrier operators, tanker operations, passenger ship operators, and container liner trades.

In addition to being tied closely to the IMO, the ICS also has relations with the World Customs Organization, the International Telecommunications Union, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and the World Meteorological Organization.

The ICS is committed to regulations of maritime trade being formulated at an international level. They are committed to this idea because shipping is by its very nature an international venture. The same regulations that apply when a ship leaves Singapore need to be the same regulations that apply when the ship arrives in Buenos Aires.

Despite the best efforts of various international organizations to ensure safety while at sea, accidents and mistakes still occur. If you or someone you know has been hurt while at sea, contact the Maritime Lawyers of Williams Kherkher at 1-800-220-9341 to schedule an initial consultation and to discuss your legal options.