World Shipping Council
World Shipping Council is a non-profit trade association representing container and roll-on-roll-off carriers whose members operate 90% of global liner shipping capacity and transport ~60% of the value of global seaborne trade.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersWashington, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What World Shipping Council does
World Shipping Council (WSC) is a non-profit trade association founded in 2000 that represents international liner shipping companies — specifically container and roll-on-roll-off (RoRo) carriers. WSC members operate 90% of global liner shipping capacity and transport approximately 60% of the value of global seaborne trade, worth more than US$4 trillion annually. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices in Brussels, London, and Singapore, and is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Soren Toft (CEO of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company) since December 2024, with Joe Kramek serving as President & CEO since July 2024.
WSC's core work spans policy advocacy, industry research, and safety programs. Its main products include the Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard (tracking renewable-fuel-capable vessels, currently covering 1,204 ships and $180 billion in private investment), the annual Containers Lost at Sea Report (drawing on member data covering ~90% of global container vessel capacity), the AI-enabled Cargo Safety Program (anomaly detection for misdeclared dangerous goods), and the WSC Whale Chart (voyage planning aid for marine biodiversity). The organization engages directly with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), EU Commission, U.S. Congress and federal agencies, and the World Customs Organization (WCO) on decarbonization, safety, security, and trade facilitation.
WSC is funded by member dues from its liner shipping company members. It does not sell products or services to end customers. Its revenue model is a non-profit association budget rather than commercial revenue. Typical member engagement includes participation in specialized councils, board representation, and access to research outputs and regulatory advocacy. The organization has 11-50 employees and operates with a small, specialized staff focused on regulatory affairs, environmental policy, safety, and communications.
World Shipping Council firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- World Shipping Council
- Legal name
- World Shipping Council
- Website
- https://worldshipping.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- World Shipping Council is a non-profit trade association representing container and roll-on-roll-off carriers whose members operate 90% of global liner shipping capacity and transport ~60% of the value of global seaborne trade.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
World Shipping Council industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Maritime Trade Association Services
- NAICS
- Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510), Water Transportation (483), Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883)
- SIC
- Water Transportation (4400), Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731), Deep Sea Foreign Transportation Of Freight (4412)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Transport Safety & Infrastructure Standards Cooperation (BPADANAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Trade Compliance & Ocean Regulatory Services (Sanctions/Export Controls) (TLACABAL), Classification Society & Flag-State Liaison / Plan Approval Support (IMAJAGAN)
Keywords
Where World Shipping Council is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Washington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
World Shipping Council business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels4 records
World Shipping Council product offering
Product offeringCore offering
World Shipping Council is a non-profit trade association that represents international liner shipping companies operating container and roll-on-roll-off vessels. The Council provides policy advocacy at the IMO, EU, and U.S. government, produces industry research and data tools (Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard, Containers Lost at Sea Report, Whale Chart), and operates safety and decarbonization programs such as the AI-enabled Cargo Safety Program and the Green Balance Mechanism policy framework.
Product overview
The World Shipping Council operates as a trade association offering a portfolio of research tools, dashboards, and safety programs rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include the Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard (tracking renewable-fuel capable vessels and $180 billion in industry investment), the Containers Lost at Sea Report (annual safety data), the Cargo Safety Program (AI-enabled screening for dangerous goods), and the WSC Whale Chart (marine conservation voyage planning tool). These products serve the liner shipping industry's needs for data transparency, safety, environmental compliance, and operational planning.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- WSC Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard: A tracking tool that monitors the global liner shipping industry's investment in vessels capable of running on renewable and lower-emission fuels.
- Containers Lost at Sea Report
- Cargo Safety Program
- WSC Whale Chart
- Green Balance Mechanism
Products and services
- Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard
- Containers Lost at Sea Report
- Cargo Safety Program Industry-led AI-enabled screening initiative designed to identify high-risk shipments before loading, preventing misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods (such as lithium-ion batteries mislabeled as hand tools) from causing ship fires and endangering crews, vessels, cargo, and the marine environment.
- WSC Whale Chart Global voyage planning aid that maps where slower ship speeds and route changes can help protect whales from ship strikes and reduce underwater noise pollution.
- EU Fuel Report 2025 Comprehensive analysis of shipping's transition to renewable fuels in the EU, examining fuel availability, pricing barriers, and regulatory recommendations for maritime decarbonization.
- Policy Advocacy and Regulatory Representation Member-funded advocacy services engaging the IMO, EU Commission and Parliament, U.S. Congress, USTR, FMC, and the World Customs Organization on decarbonization, maritime safety, supply chain security, customs reform, and trade facilitation.
Quantifiable outcome
- Supports 9 million U.S. jobs and contributes over $1.1 trillion to U.S. GDP through liner shipping operations
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use World Shipping Council
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
World Shipping Council technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability1 record
Feature3 records
World Shipping Council partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.
- IMO (International Maritime Organization)coreWSC actively participates in IMO working groups including ISWG-GHG (Intersessional Working Group on Greenhouse Gases), MEPC (Marine Environment Protection Committee), CCC (Carriage of Cargoes and Containers), and submits regulatory filings on shipping decarbonization, safety, and environmental matters.
- BIMCO, CLIA, ICS, INTERCARGO, INTERFERRY, INTERTANKOcoreSeven leading maritime associations including WSC issued joint statement ahead of IMO MEPC 84, united in support of IMO as global regulator and successful implementation of IMO GHG Reduction Pathway. Represents broad industry consensus on decarbonization policy.
- CORCA Coalition (90+ Industry Partners)strategicWSC joined coalition of over 90 industry partners including major retailers, trucking associations, logistics companies, and trade groups calling for swift passage of Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 to address cargo theft and supply chain security.
- Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)coreWSC submitted comprehensive comments to FMC Investigation into Flags of Convenience, providing industry expertise on vessels engaging in fraudulent flagging practices and nations abdicating flag-State responsibilities.
- BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council)coreWSC joined with BIMCO, International Chamber of Shipping, Asian Shipowners Association, European Shipowners Association, and other shipping groups in sending a joint open letter to UN Secretary-General and IMO Secretary-General opposing proposed Strait of Hormuz transit fees. This represents ongoing industry coalition work on critical maritime policy issues.
- International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)coreWSC and ICS are founding members of major shipping industry coalitions, including the joint letter to UN and IMO opposing Hormuz transit fees. ICS represents shipowners and operators globally.
- Asian Shipowners Association (ASA)coreWSC partnered with ASA alongside other global shipping groups to send joint letter to UN and IMO regarding Strait of Hormuz transit fee proposals.
- European Shipowners Association (ESA)coreWSC partnered with ESA as part of the eight major shipping associations opposing Iran's proposed transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Emirates Shipping LinecoreEmirates Shipping Line joined WSC as a member. Established in 2006 in Dubai, ESL has expanded to 30 countries with over 70 offices worldwide. CEO Till Ole Barrelet represents ESL on WSC Board.
- Eurogas and 33 Global Renewable Gas OrganisationsminorWSC participated in joint statement with Eurogas and 33 organisations calling on European Commission to address barriers in Union Database (UDB) preventing recognition of third-country renewable gas imports for EU compliance purposes.
- World Customs Organization (WCO)strategicWSC convened its first-ever Technology Day at WCO headquarters in Brussels, bringing together ocean carriers, government officials from 9 countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, UK, USA), European Commission and WCO Secretariat to explore security technologies for combating drug trafficking in containers.
- 23 Shipping, Logistics and Trade Organisations (EU Customs Reform)strategicWSC joined a coalition of 23 shipping, logistics and trade organisations issuing joint statement calling for EU customs reform ahead of World Customs Day 2025. The statement emphasized digital transformation and public-private partnerships for efficient border management.
- MSC Mediterranean Shipping CompanycoreMSC CEO Soren Toft elected as Chair of WSC Board of Directors. MSC is one of WSC's member carriers representing global liner shipping capacity.
- Wan Hai LinescoreWan Hai Lines Vice Chairman Randy Chen elected as Vice Chair of WSC Board, representing member carrier interests in industry governance.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves14 records
Expansion highlights6 records
World Shipping Council competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA): CLIA is the leading cruise industry trade association, advocating for the cruise sector at IMO and other regulators on environmental, safety, and security issues. CLIA co-signed WSC's MEPC 84 statement and shares the same advocacy model targeting ocean-going commercial vessels.
- INTERCARGO: INTERCARGO represents dry bulk shipowners and operators globally, focused on safety, environmental, and regulatory matters at IMO. INTERCARGO's structure—trade association for a specific shipping segment engaging international regulators—makes it a direct operational peer to WSC.
- International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH): IAPH is the global trade association for ports and harbors, representing port authorities on regulatory, environmental, and operational issues. IAPH engages IMO and other bodies on the same policy matters as WSC (decarbonization, safety, trade facilitation), and the two organizations regularly coordinate on container shipping and port-related policy.
- INTERFERRY: INTERFERRY is the global trade association representing the ferry and RoRo/passenger shipping industry. INTERFERRY and WSC share the same RoRo carrier membership base and have jointly engaged on IMO regulatory matters, making INTERFERRY a peer in both segment focus and advocacy model.
- BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council): BIMCO is the world's largest international shipping association, providing contracts, standards, and policy advocacy for shipowners, operators, and charterers. Like WSC, it engages IMO and national regulators, and the two routinely partner on joint industry statements (e.g., Strait of Hormuz opposition).
- International Chamber of Shipping (ICS): ICS is the principal international trade association for the shipping industry, representing shipowners and operators globally across all vessel types. ICS and WSC frequently co-lead industry coalitions on IMO matters, making ICS the closest peer in mission, membership overlap, and regulatory engagement.
- INTERTANKO: INTERTANKO is the international trade association for independent tanker operators, engaging IMO and other regulators on safety, environmental, and technical matters. INTERTANKO and WSC jointly co-signed positions on IMO MEPC 84 and similar regulatory files, reflecting identical advocacy models for adjacent shipping segments.
Others
- World Economic Forum (WEF) - Maritime Industry Agenda: The WEF's maritime initiatives (including the Global Future Council on Logistics and the maritime industry agenda) convene industry leaders and produce influential policy frameworks on shipping decarbonization, trade facilitation, and supply chain transformation. WEF is an adjacent convening/influence body that operates in overlapping policy spaces without direct competitive overlap with WSC's membership advocacy.
Regional players
- European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA): ECSA represents European shipowners at EU institutions, focusing on maritime policy, decarbonization, and trade. As the European counterpart to WSC's US/global focus, ECSA has overlapping membership with WSC and coordinates on EU regulatory matters like FuelEU Maritime and ETS.
- Asian Shipowners' Association (ASA): ASA is a regional shipowner association representing shipowners from Asian countries (China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, etc.) at IMO and other forums. ASA partnered with WSC on joint IMO advocacy (e.g., Strait of Hormuz letter), reflecting a peer relationship grounded in complementary geographic scope.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
World Shipping Council social profiles
Digital presenceWorld Shipping Council financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
World Shipping Council leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
World Shipping Council funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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World Shipping Council M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about World Shipping Council
What does World Shipping Council do?
World Shipping Council is a non-profit trade association that represents international liner shipping companies operating container and roll-on-roll-off vessels. The Council provides policy advocacy at the IMO, EU, and U.S. government, produces industry research and data tools (Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard, Containers Lost at Sea Report, Whale Chart), and operates safety and decarbonization programs such as the AI-enabled Cargo Safety Program and the Green Balance Mechanism policy framework.
Is World Shipping Council a public or private company?
World Shipping Council is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was World Shipping Council founded?
World Shipping Council was founded in 2000. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is World Shipping Council based?
World Shipping Council is headquartered in Washington, United States, in the North America region.
Who are World Shipping Council's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), INTERCARGO, International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), INTERFERRY, BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and INTERTANKO. World Economic Forum (WEF) - Maritime Industry Agenda is listed as an others. Regional players are European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA) and Asian Shipowners' Association (ASA).
Does World Shipping Council have an API?
No public API is recorded for World Shipping Council.
What industry is World Shipping Council in?
World Shipping Council's product category is Maritime Trade Association Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADANAK, Transport Safety & Infrastructure Standards Cooperation, with a secondary code of TLACABAL, Trade Compliance & Ocean Regulatory Services (Sanctions/Export Controls). Its NAICS code is 488510 and its SIC code is 4400.