Please find attached below the July/August edition of Leadership Insights from the ICS.    

In the Decision Maker article, Jonathan Astbury, Chief Executive Officer, Transport and Mobility, International at Magellan, is  interviewed and explores what maritime leadership can learn from the rail sector. From cross-industry collaboration and AI integration to navigating decarbonisation and regulatory uncertainty, Astbury shares key strategies for moving the sector forward.

The news analysis article focuses on crewing and training, explaining how global fleet expansion is deepening the officer shortfall, and how converting experienced ratings into certified operational leaders offers a structured and cost-effective route to long-term crewing stability.

This month’s ICS in Action highlights the recent joint open industry letter that was sent to the United Nations Secretary General, His Excellency António Guterres, and International Maritime Organization Secretary General, His Excellency Arsenio Dominguez, in relation to our no tolls campaign related to ensuring there are no compulsory tolls or charges introduced in the Strait of Hormuz. Eight maritime associations (ASA, BIMCO, CLIA, European Shipowners | ECSA, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, ICS, and WSC) co-signed the letter reiterating concerns regarding the potential imposition of tolls or service fees in the Strait of Hormuz.

Also, included in this edition is an article on “Shaping the Future of Shipping”, which summarises the key themes discussed at the annual Summit in Rome. These include freedom of navigation being the cornerstone of global trade, protecting seafarers during geopolitical conflicts, resilience requires adaptability and cooperation, shifting away from traditional methods towards partnership models, and promoting the economic value of shipping.

Additionally, there is an article highlighted a recent ICS hosted webinar on Efficient and Quiet Technologies for Ships. The webinar had a specific focus on optimising propellers to improve energy efficiency and reduce underwater radiated noise, explaining how “cavitation” has a detrimental effect on marine wildlife. You can watch the recording back on our YouTube Channel or read the full write up of the discussion on our website.

Finally, ICS Publications has released the sixth edition of ‘Shipping and the Environment: A Guide to Environmental Compliance’. This edition reflects the latest industry environmental developments, including: the latest environmental regulations, with key differences highlighted between international, national and regional regulations, as well as updates specific to US requirements, emerging technologies and operational practices as examples of environmental improvements that can be delivered at sea and ashore, and future regulatory developments on exhaust gas cleaning systems discharges, control of invasive aquatic species, MARPOL Annex IV, and other areas likely to affect future operations. To find out more please visit here.

Also, to read the newsletter please click here . It is also attached below in PDF format.