The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has released the 2025-2026. Flag State Performance Table continuing an over 20-year practice of providing an objective, data driven assessment of performance based on criteria such as Port State Control statistics and ratification of International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions.

The latest table confirms continuing positive performance by the vast majority of flag States responsible for the safety and environmental performance of the world’s merchant fleet.

Those flag States with no more than one potential negative indicator (out of the 19 criteria used by ICS) include the ten largest flag States by tonnage: China, Greece, Hong Kong (China), Japan and Singapore plus the five largest open registers i.e. Bahamas, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Malta and Panama. Together these flag States are responsible for about 70% of the world commercial fleet, although many other ship registries, including both national and open registries, also demonstrate very high levels of performance.

A range of factors are considered by shipowners when deciding where to flag their ships. Therefore, it is vital that shipowners have access to clear information on flag State performance and are discouraged from selecting registries that may not fully meet their international responsibilities.

The Table also aims to encourage constructive dialogue between shipowners and their flag administrations, helping to facilitate improvements in the interests of safety, environmental protection and decent working and living conditions for seafarers.

Please find the full press release in Annex A and the Flag State Performance Table in Annex B.