Ocean Shipping Trade Associations

American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)

Trade association unifying and advocating for seaports across the Western Hemisphere; provides policy advocacy, training, events, and technical resources for port authorities and partners.

https://www.aapa-ports.org Membership: 150

Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO)

World’s largest international shipping association; develops standard contracts/clauses, provides regulatory advocacy, market analysis, and practical tools for shipowners, operators, brokers, and agents.

https://www.bimco.org Membership: 2,100

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

Global cruise industry body; represents ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines, connects the cruise community, and advances safety, sustainability, and professional development.

https://www.cruising.org Membership: 59

European Shipowners (ECSA)

Umbrella body for Europe’s national shipowners’ associations; advocates for competitive and sustainable EU shipping and engages with EU institutions and international regulators.

https://www.ecsa.eu Membership: 22

GIIGNL – International Group of LNG Importers

International group of LNG importers; brings together companies involved in LNG import and regasification to share data, best practices, and market insights.

https://giignl.org Membership: 94

Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA)

Represents shipowners and managers in Hong Kong; advocates policy positions, provides networking, and promotes Hong Kong as a leading maritime centre.

https://hksoa.org Membership: 180

International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)

Association of leading classification societies; sets technical standards and advises the IMO to enhance maritime safety and environmental protection.

https://iacs.org.uk Membership: 12

International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH)

Global association for seaports; connects ports worldwide to drive policy, sustainability, and best practices, with consultative status at multiple UN agencies.

https://www.iaphworldports.org Membership: 200

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)

Global trade association for shipowners and operators via national associations; represents the majority of world merchant tonnage at IMO/ILO and develops industry guidance.

https://www.ics-shipping.org Membership: 34

Intercargo (International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners)

Association of dry bulk shipowners; advocates on safety, environmental and operational issues and shares best practices across the bulk sector.

https://www.intercargo.org Membership: 265

Interferry

Worldwide ferry industry association; represents operators and suppliers, focuses on safety and regulation, and provides networking with consultative status at IMO.

https://interferry.com Membership: 280

InterManager – The International Association of Ship Managers

Global association of ship and crew managers; promotes excellence in shipmanagement, advocates at IMO, and develops KPIs and best practices.

https://www.intermanager.org Membership: 64

INTERTANKO – The International Association of Independent Tanker Owners

Association of independent tanker owners; advances safe, responsible and competitive tanker shipping and provides technical, operational, and regulatory guidance.

https://www.intertanko.com Membership: 398

International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI)

Global body for marine insurers and reinsurers; represents national associations, provides industry statistics, education, and policy input on marine insurance.

https://iumi.com Membership: 42

Japan Shipowners’ Association (JSA)

National shipowners’ association of Japan; represents Japanese shipping companies across segments and engages in policy and industry development.

https://www.jsanet.or.jp Membership: 133

Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF)

Industry association of oil and energy companies promoting safe, environmentally responsible tanker and terminal operations; publishes best practices and manages inspection programmes (e.g., SIRE).

https://www.ocimf.org Membership: 114

Singapore Shipping Association (SSA)

Singapore’s national shipping association; represents shipowners, operators and maritime services firms, providing advocacy, industry development and networking.

https://www.ssa.org.sg Membership: 530

UK Chamber of Shipping

Trade association for the UK shipping industry; provides policy advocacy, committees and networking across all maritime sectors.

https://www.ukchamberofshipping.com Membership: 200

Verband Deutscher Reeder (German Shipowners’ Association)

German Shipowners’ Association; represents shipping companies on policy, employment and regulatory issues at national and international levels.

https://www.reederverband.de/en Membership: 200

World Shipping Council (WSC)

Primary trade association for liner (container) shipping; represents carriers operating about 90% of global liner capacity on safety, environmental, customs, and trade policy.

https://www.worldshipping.org Membership: 20