Earlier this year, Thomas A Kazakos took over as Secretary General at the International Chamber of Shipping. We ask him about the ICS and his own view on international shipping.
For those not wholly familiar with the ICS, perhaps you could outline its core purpose?
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the global trade association for shipowners and operators, representing the world’s national shipowner associations and over 80 % of the world merchant fleet. In a nutshell, ICS was established over 100 years ago to represent the shipping industry in the development of international regulation for the global shipping industry. This is still ICS’ core function today.
What is currently top of the agenda at ICS?
Firstly, our seafarers, from seafarer safety and welfare to training to recruitment and retention. Seafarers must always be top of the agenda. Secondly, the decarbonisation of our industry, we must move forward on this for the next generation, the industry is ready and what we need now is governments to take the necessary decisions; and finally, ensuring the efficiency of supply chains and global trade. And this year we have been very involved in global trade issues and geopolitical fractures.
What impact has the ICS had on international shipping over the past few years?
ICS has had significant impact on various fronts. We, with our members, have been integral in the development of proposals to the IMO and the ILO on various technical matters, whether that be on seafarer training or reaching net zero by 2050. During the COVID-19 pandemic ICS stepped forward and brought the industry together to tackle the crew change crisis. More recently, our legal team, jointly with the LMA, crafted the Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF) Default Clause in 2024 to promote and support the use of LOF when ships are in need of emergency salvage assistance.
Is there anything you’d like to say about the recent IMO decision to delay shipping’s move to net-zero?
What the industry needs is clarity through regulation, so it was disappointing when the decision was made by Member States to delay the meeting for adoption of the IMO Net Zero Framework by one year. The reality is though that after the MEPC ES there is no change to the industry, we continue to move global trade and remain committed to achieving the IMO goal of net zero GHG emissions from international shipping by or close to 2050.
How do you see the relationship between ICS and IUMI? And how do you view the current marine insurance market?
ICS and IUMI have a long and productive working relationship. While the interests of shipowners and marine insurers may not always align commercially speaking, our respective organisations have a common interest in ensuring safe, secure and environmentally friendly shipping. The valuable liaison relationship we have with IUMI, particularly through the ICS Insurance Committee, allows us to discuss areas where we may differ and to collaborate in many areas. Notable areas of recent collaboration include efforts to safeguard the Lloyd’s Open Form, and efforts to prevent fires on board ships. Â
If there was one thing you could change within international shipping, what would it be?
I would like the current erosion of the international regulatory framework to cease. The benefits of open trade and global regulations are clear, but despite this we are witnessing a steady wearing away of the multilateral spirit that has long underpinned global commerce. Additionally, I would like governments to increase their focus on seafarers. Without our seafarers we do not have an industry so I strongly believe that they should be at the forefront of every decision.
How did your career path take you to your current role?
Prior to joining ICS, I was Director General of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC), the representative national Member Association of Cyprus at ICS, for 30 years. My career has been dedicated to navigating the complexities of global regulation, politics and trade, and this was the natural next step for me.
What do you like doing away from the office?
For me, family is the most important thing, and I am lucky to have a wonderful wife and four incredible children. Since moving to London, I value the time I get to spend with my family, it is priceless. I am also quite partial to a tasty piece of cake.
