Other Related Entities

Complementary forces shaping the global maritime regulatory landscape

Beyond the core international maritime organisations, a number of related entities play vital roles in shaping, supporting, and sustaining the global shipping industry.

These include regional organisations, specialised agencies, technical societies, financial institutions, and NGOs. While not always in the spotlight, they contribute essential expertise, funding, data, and operational guidance – forming the connective tissue of the maritime governance ecosystem.

Understanding these complementary bodies helps build a full picture of how maritime law, safety, education, labour rights, and innovation are developed and implemented worldwide.

Types of Related Entities

1.Regional Maritime Organisations
Examples:

• European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) – Technical support for EU maritime policy
• African Union’s Maritime Strategy – Regional cooperation on Blue Economy and security
• ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group – Harmonisation in Southeast Asia

Focus: Regional legislation, capacity building, port cooperation, piracy response

2. Specialised Agencies and Observers
Examples:

• World Meteorological Organization (WMO) – Marine weather and climate data
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – Maritime radio communication regulation
• UNESCO-IOC – Oceanographic data, tsunami warnings, maritime science

Focus: Information exchange, technical data, satellite coordination

3. International Labour and Development Institutions
Examples:

• World Bank & IMF – Maritime infrastructure financing
• ILO Maritime Labour Department – Protection of seafarers’ rights
• UNCTAD – Trade facilitation, port performance, maritime statistics

Focus: Maritime employment, social standards, port development, trade equity

4. Classification Societies and Technical Bodies
Examples:

• International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)
• The Nautical Institute
• PIANC (ports and inland navigation)

Focus: Ship standards, research, inspection protocols, port engineering

5. Environmental and Non-Governmental Organisations
Examples:

• Greenpeace International – Advocacy on shipbreaking, Arctic shipping
• Transport & Environment (T&E) – EU shipping policy and decarbonisation
• Sea Alarm – Marine wildlife response coordination

Focus: Advocacy, watchdog roles, environmental protection

Why It Matters

The maritime world is not governed by one institution alone. It is shaped by a network of actors – each contributing pieces of insight, power, funding, or influence.

By understanding how these “other” entities connect to core players like IMO, ICS, or IAPH, professionals and learners can navigate the full map of decision-making, reform, and opportunity.

These bodies also help bridge the gap between sectors – linking maritime trade with environmental science, human rights, technology, and development goals.

Reflective Question

How can greater collaboration between core maritime organisations and related entities lead to more inclusive, resilient, and forward-thinking global maritime governance?