ICS Report Highlights Improvements In Flag State Performance

• Updated Flag State Performance Table shows an increase in positive performance indicators amongst smaller Flag States.
• Flag States that have a majority of negative indicators highlights the need to encourage shipowners and operators to examine whether a Flag State has sufficient substance before using it.
• Ship operators in dialogue with maritime Administrations are recommended to use the Table to identify areas for further improvement over the next twelve months.

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, reports Safety4sea.

Increase in positive performance indicators

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.

Improvements in flag State’s attendance at IMO meetings

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 .

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Source: Safety4sea

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