THE INTERNATIONAL Chamber of Shipping has announced intentions to strengthen its relationship with China’s shipping industry.
ICS chairman Emanuele Grimaldi was in Shanghai earlier this month to meet with COSCO Shipping executive vice president Bo Feng. Mr Feng hosted Mr Grimaldi on behalf of the China Shipowners’ Association (CSA).
At a meeting with other ICS and CSA representatives, Mr Grimaldi and Mr Feng discussed how ICS and CSA could strengthen global ties.
They also spoke about the challenges China’s shipping industry is facing, such as decarbonisation, digitalisation, supply-chain stability, seafarer welfare and recruitment and training.
Mr Grimaldi also met with members of the Chinese Community Party political bureau and standing committee and president of Shanghai Overseas Friendship Association.
According to the ICS, the meetings focused on China’s vision for decarbonisation and digitalisation of the shipping industry, free trade and globalisation and strengthening Shanghai’s collaboration with ICS.
“My meetings this week help the whole of the ICS gain a deeper understanding of China’s great shipping industry, and I look forward to our close collaboration with the CSA going forwards,” Mr Grimaldi said.
“I extend my thanks to the CSA for their kind hospitality and fruitful discussions.
“Our industry is a global one and so our challenges. Decarbonisation to seafarer recruitment and welfare are impacting everyone within shipping, so we must work together as an industry to find solutions.”
Emanuele Grimaldi was also joined in the meetings by senior ICS representatives including secretary general Guy Platten and deputy secretary general Simon Bennett.
CSA joined the ICS as a full member in January this year. The association also joined the ICS board, which oversees the policy positions ICS presents on behalf of shipowners worldwide.
