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ICS in Action – January 2026

The International Chamber of Shipping has had a very busy start to 2026. With many projects underway, I am excited to bring you our first ICS in Action blog post.

In early January, ICS launched this year’s Barometer Survey, which we would love you to take part in by following the link. The ICS Barometer is an annual survey which gives the opportunity for C-Suite maritime professionals to share their perspectives on topics which impact our industry, such as existing and emerging fuels, geopolitical risk, public and private funding, and broader operational challenges. The survey uses these anonymous responses to create a data-driven report which will be released in June.

The Barometer report is a tool for evaluating current trends in the maritime industry and intends to glean valuable insights into emerging issues and priorities for industry leaders that are shaping the future of shipping. This is designed to help the industry understand where it stands globally so that all member states can move forward with mutual priorities and a cohesive voice. To view last year’s report, click here.

We have also launched the 2025-2026 ICS Flag State Performance Report. This report compiles objective externally published data into a readable and easily accessible format, and aims to encourage constructive dialogue between shipowners and their flag administrations; helping to facilitate improvements in the interests of safety, environmental protection and decent working and living conditions for seafarers.

Meanwhile, the ICS publications team have been working hard on a brand-new publication. This January, we were pleased to announce the release of the highly anticipated ICS Deck Procedures Guide. The Deck Procedures Guide offers comprehensive guidance to ensure that all those working on or maintaining machinery on deck are well-equipped to handle a wide range of operations, including cargo operations, bunkering and heavy weather preparations. It includes practical procedures and checklists for deck operations and maintenance of core equipment, across all ship types, which complies with the IMSBC and IMDG Code.

As you may be aware, the ICS Engine Room Procedures Guide and the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide have acted as invaluable tools to ensure ship operations are carried safely and efficiently. The Deck Procedures Guide completes this essential set of publications which will enable companies to uphold the highest standards of best practice across ship operations.

Finally, I would like to highlight the important work of the ICS Marine Team. January has already seen contributions from our team at the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) meetings. The International Maritime Organization’s 12th session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction took place during the week of the 19th of January. The key items on the agenda included development of the workplan for revision of the Code of Safety of Nuclear Merchant Ships, reduction of underwater radiated noise from shipping, amendments to the International Code on the ‘Enhanced Programme of Inspections During Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers’ (the ESP Code), steering and propulsion requirements to address both traditional and non-traditional propulsion and steering systems, guidelines for use of fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) within ship structures, and revision of the Guidelines for the application of plastic pipes on ships.

The work that the ICS team does on these projects, in addition to a range of others, endeavours to build confidence across our members and reinforce global cohesion, so we can tackle all the challenges which we may face. We are connected by one ocean; therefore, we look to take the uncertainty as an opportunity to come together and collaborate on an international scale.