Join our crew and become one of the 110,057 members that receive our newsletter.

Stock photo of the bow of a ship at anchor

Passakorn Umpornmaha/Shutterstock

ICS Report Highlights Improvements in Flag State Performance

Mike Schuler
Total Views: 1635
January 23, 2024

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which represents over 80% of the world’s merchant fleet, has released its 2023/2024 Flag State Performance Table report showing a continued positive performance by the majority of Flag States responsible for the safety and environmental performance of the world’s merchant ships.

The report encourages shipowners to engage in dialogue with their Flag States to facilitate improvements in safety, environmental protection, and decent working conditions.

Flag States such as Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Denmark, Greece, Hong Kong (China), Japan, Liberia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, and the United Kingdom have all shown positive indicators for all criteria used in the report.

However, the report also highlights that some Flag States, including Togo, Algeria, and Comoros, continue to record large amounts of negative performance indicators. The ICS says this underscores the need for shipowners and operators to thoroughly examine a Flag State’s substance before choosing to register their ships there.

On a positive note, several smaller flag States, including Costa Rica, Egypt, Mexico, and Thailand, have shown an increase in positive performance indicators compared to the previous report.

The 2023/2024 report indicates overall improvements in flag State’s attendance at International Maritime Organization (IMO) meetings and in the use of well-performing Recognized Organizations authorized by Flag State administrations to ensure compliance with safety, environmental performance, and labor standards.

Guy Platten, Secretary General of ICS, commented on the report, noting the overall positive information and improvements in several areas, including government attendance at IMO meetings and performance improvements among smaller flag states.

“Unfortunately, a number of Flag States continue to record large amounts of negative performance indicators which Flag States must address, for the benefit of the entire shipping industry,” said Platten.

The ICS Flag State Performance report methodology includes examining Port State Control records, checking ratification of major maritime treaties, reviewing control over Recognized Organizations, considering the age of the fleet, checking compliance with reporting requirements, assessing attendance at IMO meetings, and verifying participation in the IMO Audit Scheme.

The 2023/2024 Shipping Industry Flag State Performance Table can be found here 

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up
Back to Main
polygon icon polygon icon

Why Join the gCaptain Club?

Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.

Sign Up
close

JOIN OUR CREW

Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,057 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.