The Chairmen of the Round Table of international shipping associations (BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO) met in Tokyo prior to the start of the Tripartite Meeting on shipbuilding issues which took place on 20-21 September 2007. A number of current international issues were addressed and action points were discussed for further development.
The Chairmen reviewed current regulatory developments: of particular interest at the IMO were the revision of MARPOL Annex VI and the progress of the Scientific Group on Air Emissions. In addition, there was a desire for the Round Table to be engaged with the progress of Goal Based Standards and the implementation of the Ballast Water Convention.
On the ballast water issue, there was particular concern that MEPC56 was unable to agree to suspend the date for implementation of the requirement for new treatment equipment. The industry’s concern arises because the equipment necessary for the treatment and measurement of invasive species has not been type-approved and is not yet available to shipowners. This will lead to problems when the Convention enters into force, as some Port State Control authorities intend to implement this requirement retrospectively. The Chairmen were very supportive of  efforts to resolve this problem at the IMO Assembly where it is being suggested that prompt ratifications should be encouraged but a mechanism is being proposed to defer the date of implementation of the requirement for new treatment equipment.  
A number of safety issues were discussed including the Standardisation of Instruction Manuals; the Development of Maintenance Friendly Ship Designs; the Design of “Fit for Purpose” Ships; and the IMO Member State Audit Scheme.
With regard to the EU regulatory issues, the Chairmen considered a number of topical issues such as the Green Paper on Ship Recycling, Class Liability, the proposals for an EU Maritime Policy (Borg Process) and the Ship Source Pollution hearing before the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. It was noted that a number of these issues were now in a final stage of deliberation and it was agreed that close attention should be given to the ensuing legislative processes.
There was detailed consideration on the current position of the Industry Working Group on the EU Green Paper on Ship Recycling, with concerns raised that the EU Commission seems to be determined to impose EU Waste Management Law on the international shipping industry. The Chairmen shared the view of the Working Group that the EU should not act in isolation and should support the work being done at the IMO.
The outcome of the recent IMO Singapore Meeting on the Malacca and Singapore Straits was discussed and in particular proposals for voluntary contributions to the Aids to Navigation Fund were reviewed. The Chairmen considered various ways in which industry could provide support.
The need to continue improving the positive profile of the shipping industry was highlighted by the Round Table of international shipping associations. It was agreed that there should be more emphasis placed on how this can be achieved. In particular the Chairmen supported the development and the expansion of the Maritime Industry Foundation. At the same time it was recognised that there are many other initiatives being proposed across the industry and that it makes sense for these to be coordinated to maximise their effectiveness.
The next meeting of the RTisa Chairmen will be in December 2007.