Media Release – 16 July 2025
“INTERCARGO-Member Fleets Outperform on Safety and Compliance”
Dry bulk carriers entered with INTERCARGO continue to demonstrate stronger performance than the global fleet average on safety and compliance, according to the Association’s latest Benchmarking Report. The report highlights meaningful differences across the sector, with significant variations in inspection outcomes, operational risk and regulatory performance.
INTERCARGO-member ships consistently show a lower incidence of regulatory deficiencies and detentions compared with the global fleet.
“These results show that quality is measurable,” said John Xylas, Chairman of INTERCARGO. “Responsible, quality operators are delivering safer, more compliant ships, and benchmarking helps identify strengths, highlights areas for improvement and promotes operational integrity throughout the industry.”
The report also identifies continued disparities in class and flag performance. Some parts of the global fleet remain consistently linked to higher levels of risk exposure and weaker inspection outcomes. These trends reinforce the importance of transparency, strong oversight, and data-informed decision-making in ship operations and management.
INTERCARGO also notes regional shifts in enforcement activity, with some Port State Control regimes taking a more active approach to inspections and detentions. These developments underline the importance of consistent and equitable Port State Control.
The Benchmarking Report draws on a range of public and commercial data sources. By identifying trends and supporting greater transparency, the Association seeks to strengthen safety, compliance and performance across the global dry bulk sector. More information and access to the report is available at https://www.intercargo.org/benchmarking-report-2024-2025/
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For further information, please contact: info@intercargo.org
About INTERCARGO
International shipping is vital for the global economy and prosperity as it transports approximately 90% of world trade. The dry bulk sector is the largest shipping sector in terms of number of ships and deadweight. Dry bulk carriers account for 43% of the world fleet (in tonnage) and carry an estimated 55% of the global transport work.
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) unites and promotes quality dry bulk shipping, bringing together more than 290 forward thinking companies from 30 countries. INTERCARGO convened for the first time in 1980 in London and has been participating with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since 1993. INTERCARGO provides the forum where dry bulk shipowners, managers and operators are informed about, discuss, and share concerns on key topics and regulatory challenges, especially in relation to safety, security, the environment, and operational excellence. The Association promotes its members’ positions at the IMO, EU as well as other shipping and international industry fora, always maintaining free and fair competition as a focal principle.
