International Chamber of Shipping Opens Regional Office in Singapore

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), representing more than 80 percent of the global merchant fleet, has opened a new representative office in Singapore.

The office, established with the support of the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), is located in the central business district and will function as a regional hub. According to ICS, its focus will be on collaboration in areas including decarbonization, safety, seafarer welfare and the adoption of new technologies.

Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), said: “We welcome the International Chamber of Shipping’s decision to establish its Singapore office, joining other key international organisations with a regional base here. ICS’s presence will strengthen collaboration on priorities such as decarbonisation, digital transformation, and safety standards. These are key areas shaping the future of international shipping and where closer cooperation between industry and regulators can drive impactful solutions for the greater good of the global maritime sector.”

Thomas A. Kazakos, ICS Secretary General, added: “The strategic opening of our office in Singapore underlines ICS’s commitment to working closely with one of the most dynamic maritime centres in the world. Singapore continues to be at the forefront in areas such as bunkering, fuel innovation, digitalisation and decarbonisation, and we look forward to building even stronger partnerships with the industry and authorities here.”

He noted that the move marks an important milestone for ICS as it seeks to deepen ties across the Asia-Pacific region.

The Singapore office follows the establishment of the ICS China Liaison Office, which operates in Shanghai and Hong Kong SAR. ICS also confirmed it will host its second Global Maritime Trade Summit in Hong Kong this November.

Sunil Krishnakumar, appointed General Manager of ICS Singapore Branch, commented: “It is an honour to take on this role at such a pivotal time for our industry. I look forward to working with our members, partners and stakeholders to ensure that ICS continues to make a positive impact in Singapore and across the region.”

Teo Teng Seng, President of the Singapore Shipping Association, said: “The launch of the ICS Singapore Branch adds to the vibrancy of Singapore as an International Maritime Centre, joining other esteemed international maritime organisations based here. SSA is delighted to host and partner with one of the world’s principal shipping organisations to support our industry’s standing in the global shipping community.”