Recently, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council approved consultative status for the World Shipping Council (WSC). Ron Widdows, Chairman of the WSC Board of Directors, stated: 'Consultative status for the World Shipping Council at the IMO provides the liner shipping industry a direct voice at the IMO o a series of critical issues, including vessel emissions, climate, security, and other matters that will shape the operating landscape of the industry for years to come. The Council has developed a strong staff and expertise on many regulatory issues, and we look forward to engaging at the IMO on the liner shipping industry's behalf.'

'WSC and its member companies have for nearly a decade been engaged and committed to sound environmental, security and regulatory policy development. With its consultative status at the IMO, the Council intends to be a voice of support for the IMO's development of effective international regulatory regimes for international shipping,' said Chris Koch, WSC's President and CEO.

The decision taken last week by the IMO Council is subject to final review and approval by the IMO Assembly in November, but consistent with IMO practice, the WSC will begin participation in the Organization with next week's 59th Session of IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee.

The World Shipping Council was formed in 2000 and today operates offices in Washington and Brussels. Its mission is to provide a coordinated voice for the liner shipping industry in its work with public policymakers and other industry groups with an interest in international transportation. Its 29 member companies operate approximately 90% of the liner shipping fleet, which includes container vessels and roll‐on/roll‐off vessels operating on fixed schedules.