A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed this week by three of the largest shipowning groups makes a lot of sense in a fragmenting world. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) and the European ­Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA) need to cooperate more closely.

One of the biggest threats to the free movement of shipowners is the growth of nationalism, protectionism and trade wars.