Three major shipowner trade associations, which represent over 90% of the world merchant fleet, have signal their desire for closer ties in the face of growing geopolitical threats to shipping.

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) and the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) have agreed to enhance co-operation in a bid to oppose what it described as “unwelcome regional or unilateral initiatives that may impede the efficiency of maritime trade”.