Other Water Transportation Trade Associations

American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)

Trade association for seaports throughout the Americas; advocates for policy, professional development, and information sharing among public port authorities across the Western Hemisphere. Represents 130+ public port authorities.

https://www.aapa-ports.org Membership: 130

American Pilots’ Association (APA)

National association of state‑licensed marine pilots; approximately 60 pilot groups representing virtually all state pilots in the U.S., whose members pilot over 95% of ocean‑going vessels in U.S. waters.

https://www.americanpilots.org Membership: 60

American Salvage Association (ASA)

Represents professional marine salvors and emergency response firms across the Americas; promotes readiness, safety, and collaboration with regulators. Membership includes 70+ general and corporate associate members.

https://www.americansalvage.org Membership: 70

American Waterways Operators (AWO)

National trade association for the U.S. tugboat, towboat, and barge industry; principal advocate for inland and coastal towing with safety programs like the Responsible Carrier Program. 300+ member companies.

https://www.americanwaterways.com Membership: 300

Association of Pacific Ports (APP)

Trade and information association for Pacific‑basin ports founded in 1913; facilitates efficiency and knowledge‑sharing among port authorities and suppliers. 27 port members and 47 associate members (total ≈74).

https://pacificports.org Membership: 74

Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO)

Global shipping association providing standard contracts, regulatory advocacy, and market guidance; community of 2,100 member companies in 120 countries representing about 64% of world tonnage.

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

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

The global cruise industry association uniting ocean, river, and specialty lines with suppliers and travel advisors; 59 cruise line members plus 350+ executive partners and a large advisor network.

https://cruising.org Membership: 59

Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals (IRPT)

Nationwide trade association of inland ports, terminals, shippers, carriers, and allied firms advocating for the U.S. inland waterway system. Membership exceeds 350 organizations.

https://www.irpt.net Membership: 350

International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO)

Dry bulk shipowners’ association advancing safety, environmental performance, and best practice; ≈265 members as of end‑2024 (158 full and 107 associate) across 30 countries.

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

International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO)

Independent tanker owners’ association promoting safe, responsible, and competitive tanker shipping; 178 full members as of January 2025, plus ~220 associate members.

https://www.intertanko.com Membership: 178

International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH)

Global trade association for seaports; over 200 ports and numerous national port bodies, 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 shipowners’ associations; represents over 80% of world merchant tonnage. Currently 34 full member national associations.

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

Interferry

Worldwide ferry industry association focusing on safety, sustainability, and regulatory engagement (IMO/EU); membership exceeds 280 companies representing 2,200+ individuals in 40+ countries.

https://interferry.com Membership: 280

Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA)

Advocacy body for U.S.‑flag vessel operators on the Great Lakes; represents 13 companies operating the U.S. “laker” fleet.

https://lcaships.com Membership: 13

Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA)

U.S. association for companies operating offshore service vessels supporting offshore energy; represents about 170 member companies and 12,000 U.S. employees.

https://offshoremarine.org Membership: 170

Pacific Maritime Association (PMA)

West Coast employers’ association representing ocean carriers, terminal operators, and stevedores; negotiates and administers labor agreements with the ILWU. 68 member companies.

https://www.pmanet.org Membership: 68

Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA)

Non‑partisan regional trade association advocating navigation, energy, and trade for the Pacific Northwest; membership includes 150+ entities across WA/OR/ID.

https://www.pnwa.net Membership: 150

Passenger Vessel Association (PVA)

National association for U.S.‑flag passenger vessel operators (ferries, excursions, water taxis, dinner/cruise vessels); nearly 600 company members.

https://www.passengervessel.com Membership: 600

Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA)

Statewide association of public port districts; provides advocacy, training, and networking for Washington’s ports. 69 of Washington’s 74 public ports are members.

https://www.washingtonports.org Membership: 69

World Shipping Council (WSC)

Primary trade association for the international liner (container) shipping industry; 20 member carriers representing roughly 90% of global liner capacity.

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