ICS discusses maritime policy and freedom of navigation in Washington

Washington, United States. International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) secretary general Thomas Kazakos emphasised freedom of navigation and the need for predictable global regulation during meetings last week on trade, maritime policy and decarbonisation.

Meetings with US officials

Led by ICS Shipping Policy Committee chair Kenneth Lam, the delegation met representatives of several US government agencies, including the Department of State, as well as the office of Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. The ICS secretariat also met US Coast Guard officials, including Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy Rear Admiral Robert C. Compher.

The discussions covered the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Net Zero Framework, freedom of navigation, the currently suspended USTR Section 301 fees on Chinese-linked and foreign vessels, and the SHIPS for America Act.

Consultative Shipping Group talks

ICS separately met the Consultative Shipping Group (CSG) of governments and joined a meeting co-hosted by US Maritime Administration Administrator Stephen M. Carmel and CSG chairman Brian Adrian Wessel. Federal Maritime Commission chair Laura Di Bella attended, along with officials from the Department of State and other US agencies.

The talks addressed developments in US trade and maritime policy, including the SHIPS for America Act and the USTR Section 301 fees, as well as the IMO Net Zero Framework and the future of shipping decarbonisation. Kazakos stressed the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation and the importance of a robust, predictable global regulatory framework for shipping and international trade.

Between the official meetings, ICS hosted a reception for CSG members at the German Embassy. ICS thanked Wessel and CSG members for their continued cooperation, and the Chamber of Shipping of America for helping arrange the delegation’s meetings in Washington.