The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) recently expanded its global membership, as the Polish Shipping Association became the newest full member. The Polish Shipping Association will now join ICS boards and committees, giving shipowners from the central European country a direct role in shaping international shipping policy on issues like decarbonisation, regulation, safety and digitalisation.
The Polish Shipping Association represents a joint delegation of the Polish Shipowners’ Association and the Polish Shipping Companies’ Association.
As per ICS, the new addition will further strengthen the global body’s role as the “voice of shipowners”, with the organisation already representing more than 80% of the world merchant fleet through national associations spanning over 40 countries and territories.
ICS secretary general Thomas A. Kazakos said, “We are delighted to welcome the Polish Shipping Association as a member. Poland’s significant maritime presence plays a crucial role in trade and logistics globally, and we look forward to working together on our collective challenges that include decarbonisation, seafarer safety and welfare and digitalisation. We must work together as an industry to find the global solutions necessary to ensure that our industry is sustainable and efficient for future generations. Collaboration fosters opportunity and together with our members we are best placed to achieve this.”
Polish Shipping Association Director Marcin Talwik remarked, “The accession of the Polish Shipping Association, through a joint delegation of two Polish shipping organisations, to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) in London marks a major step in strengthening the international representation of Polish shipowners. As the world’s leading global shipping body, the ICS shapes key policies on regulation, safety and decarbonisation, giving Polish shipowners a direct voice in global decision-making. The move provides access to strategic knowledge, best practices and high-level industry networks, while reinforcing the position of the Polish maritime sector worldwide. The joint membership of Polish Shipowners’ Association (ZAP) and Polish Shipping Companies Association (PZPZ) in the ICS, following their earlier entry into ECSA, underscores the sector’s unity and global ambitions.”