The International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) represents the interests of independent tanker owners worldwide – those who do not belong to oil companies or state-controlled fleets, but operate commercially on the open market.
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Oslo, with offices in London and Singapore, INTERTANKO has become a leading force in promoting safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible shipping of oil, chemicals, and gas.
Its members operate over 60% of the world’s tanker fleet, and the association is deeply involved in regulatory development, industry standards, and sustainability leadership – from ship design to decarbonisation.
Tanker shipping is highly regulated due to its cargo – substances that, if mishandled, can pose serious environmental and safety risks. INTERTANKO helps ensure its members operate to the highest global standards.
Its work focuses on:
1. Policy and Representation:
2. Environmental Protection:
3. Operational Guidance and Benchmarking:
4. Maritime Labour and Training:
INTERTANKO has been instrumental in:
• Developing TMSA (Tanker Management and Self Assessment) – a framework used globally to assess tanker operators’ safety and quality systems
• Influencing IMO regulations such as MARPOL Annexes and GHG targets
• Creating standard vetting questionnaires and pre-inspection tools for oil majors and terminals
• Supporting the Poseidon Principles, a global framework linking ship finance to climate alignment
INTERTANKO represents over 200 tanker owners and operators, and more than 300 associate members, including:
• Technical service providers
• Insurance and P&I clubs
• Legal firms
• Maritime consultants and surveyors
This wide network enables collaboration between ship operators and their supporting ecosystem – all focused on transparency, safety, and professionalism in tanker trade.
INTERTANKO is active in addressing the sector’s most pressing challenges:
• Decarbonisation of tanker fleets – including fuel trials and emissions tracking
• Autonomous systems and data-driven operations
• Sanctions and geopolitical risks for oil and chemical trade routes
• Digitalisation and cyber security compliance
It also promotes transparent reporting through benchmarking tools and supports smaller operators in navigating complex regulatory environments.
Tanker ships transport the fuel and chemicals that power global industry, yet the risks involved require constant vigilance. INTERTANKO ensures that these vessels are not just efficient, but safe, clean, and accountable.
As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, INTERTANKO plays a key role in guiding the tanker industry’s evolution – toward a new energy paradigm, while upholding high standards for human and environmental safety.
What role should INTERTANKO play in helping independent tanker owners transition to greener operations while maintaining global energy supply stability?
