AsianShipowners’
AssociationPress Release
Asia, Stronger Together
The Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) held its 28th Annual General Meeting on
28th May 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand, hosted by the Federation of ASEAN Shipowners’
Association (FASA) Thailand. Mr Bhumindr Harinsuit, the 28th ASA President,
welcomed delegates of member associations and urged members to continue to stayunited so that Asia remains stronger together. To prepare for the future, ASA will
establish a new S Committee – Shipping Young Executive Committee (SYEC) to takethe ASA forward and to prepare for succession.
Supporting seafarers’ mental health
Mental health of the world’s seafarers was highlighted by the ASA SC as a significant
concern to be addressed by the industry. The ASA SC therefore encourages
shipowners to consider providing internet connectivity for all seafarers. Such provisionof facilities will enable seafarers to stay connected beyond the vessels, and may help
manage this issue and is particularly important for attracting young seafarers.
Limitation of liability-Trade affected by Unilateral actions
The ASA SILC is deeply concerned by decisions made by Spain and France
unilaterally, contravening the CLC and Fund Conventions, to which both States areparties. The uncertainties caused by such decisions may result in substantial costs totrade with these countries.
The ASA SILC advocates the industry proposal for a unified interpretation of the test
for breaking the shipowner’s right to limit liability under the IMO Liability Conventions
already supported by 35 States. The ASA SILC calls for international conventions to
be upheld as the success of the compensation regime depends on uniformity andconsistency of application.
The Road to 2020
In 2008, the industry applauded when the IMO adopted amendments to MARPOL that
could introduce a global sulphur cap – this was proof that the industry could govern
itself with practical and progressive goal-based regulations. We are now a few shortmonths from 1 January 2020, and whilst the ASA SNEC is confident that, in the longrun, the shipping industry will eventually settle into a new equilibrium, a great deal ofwork needs be done in the time remaining.
Fortunately, MEPC 74 met earlier this month and was able to demonstrate that it wasup to the task of addressing most of the issues facing the industry, such as concerns
over testing standards for compliant fuel.
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There will undoubtedly be issues that crop up over the next few months andshipowners are concerned about the complex operational challenges and increased
risks they may face post 1 January 2020. Nevertheless, the ASA SNEC is confident
that the industry, working closely with their respective maritime administrations, theIMO and other stakeholders, will be able to navigate the future together.
Uphold Free Trade
The ASA SPC reiterated its serious concern over the implications of intensified trade
frictions and protectionism developments. Trade-restrictive measures such as import
restrictions and cargo reservation policies on the international transportation of energy
products, raw materials and any others, would have negative impacts not only on theshipping industry, but also on the sustainable development and efficiency of a globaleconomy. In this respect, the ASA SPC emphasises the points referred in the global
shipping sector position papers, jointly produced earlier this month by ASA, ECSA andICS, to support free trade principles and rule-based multilateral international tradingsystem.
Prompt Enactment of the Hong Kong Convention
The ASA SRC reaffirmed the necessity for prompt enactment of the HK Convention,
to increase the number of compliant yards available. The Convention is the only
effective measure to regulate environmentally-sound recycling of ships globally. The
ASA SRC welcomes the series of ratifications this year by Turkey, The Netherlands,
The Republic of Serbia, Japan, Estonia and, most recently, Malta, which move us
closer to the full enactment of the HK Convention.
Asia is the main arena for ship recycling, building and operations. Therefore, the ASA
urges both China and India to promptly ratify the Convention as a key to satisfy therequired conditions towards its enactment, for the protection of the global environment.
The ASA will endeavor to motivate ship recycling associations in South Asia throughregular dialogue, and encourage improvement of ship recycling and operational
standards to achieve the earliest possible ratification by these countries.
Mr David Parmeter, Vice-President of ASA and Chairman of MIAL (Maritime Industry
Australia Limited), was elected as the 29th ASA President. Captain Anoop Kumar
Sharma, Chairman of INSA (Indian National Shipowners’ Association) was elected as
the Vice-President of ASA. The next ASA AGM will be held in Darwin, Australia.
********For media enquiries, kindly contact:
Captain Ang Chin Eng
Secretary General
Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA)
Tel : (+65) 6325 4737
Email : information@asa.org.sg
Website : www.asianshipowners.org
Editor’s Note:
The Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) is a voluntary organization of the shipowner associations ofAustralia, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea and the Federation of ASEAN
10 Anson Road #16-18 International Plaza Singapore 079903
Tel +65 63254737 Fax +65 63254451
Email: information@asa.org.sg Website: www.asianshipowners.org

Shipowners’ Associations comprising shipping associations of ASEAN countries. The aims of the ASA
are to promote the interests of Asian shipowners. Between annual ASA meetings, the ongoing work is
carried out by five Standing Committees: The Seafarers Committee (SC), the Ship Insurance andLiability Committee (SILC), the Safe Navigation and Environment Committee (SNEC), the Shipping
Policy Committee (SPC), and the Ship Recycling Committee (SRC). It has been estimated that ASA
shipowners and managers control and operate around 50% of the world's cargo carrying fleet.

10 Anson Road #16-18 International Plaza Singapore 079903
Tel +65 63254737 Fax +65 63254451
Email: information@asa.org.sg Website: www.asianshipowners.org