The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) released its 2018-2019 Flag State Performance Table, providing an overview of global ship registry performance
22 March 2019
The ICS’ annual performance table is intended to assist ship owners and/or operators in choosing a flag, and encourage them to maintain a close collaboration with the flag administration, with a view to enhancing the safety of life at sea, protection of the marine environment and the living and working conditions of the seafarers.
The rankings are based on an aggregated assessment of the following factors:
- Inspection results of the three most influential Port State Control authorities (Paris MoU, Tokyo MoU and the United States Coast Guard);
- Ratification of major international conventions (SOLAS, STCW, MARPOL, LL 66, MLC and CLC/Fund 92);
- Use of Recognized Organizations complying with IMO Res. A.739;
- Average fleet age;
- Fulfillment of Flag Reporting requirements to the IMO and ILO;
- Attendance at IMO meeting; and
- Fulfillment of IMO Member State Audit requirements.
Flag state performance is designated by green (positive) and red (negative) indicators against the performance criteria.
Luxembourg’s Commitment to Excellence
The 2018/2019 performance table objectively establishes Luxembourg as one of the world’s leading quality ship registries. Luxembourg has positive green performance indicators across the board, reflecting its white list status on the Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding as a result of its low detention and deficiency rates and continuous commitment to quality shipping.
Despite not meeting the relevant minimum requirements of inspections and arrivals set by the USCG PSC authorities, the Luxembourg Flag commitment to excellence has been recognized by the USCG, as none of its ships has been subject to any PSC detention during the previous three years.
About ICS
ICS is the international trade association representing all sectors and trades of the shipping industry. Together with representatives of its member national shipowners’ associations, ICS participates actively at the committee meetings of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and contributes significantly to the development of IMO regulations which impact on international shipping. ICS also represents maritime employers as an official ‘social partner’ at the International Labour Organization.
The purpose of the ICS Flag State Performance Table is to (i) provide an objective assessment of flag performance for shipowners considering new flag jurisdictions and (ii) encourage shipowners and operators to push for improvements by flag state administrations, particularly in relation to safety, security, environmental protection and safeguarding decent working and living conditions for seafarers.