The Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) convened its 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Jakarta, hosted by the Federation of ASEAN Shipowners’ Associations (FASA), drawing over 200 delegates from across Asia’s maritime industry.
With the theme “Asia’s Position in Global Maritime”, the meeting underscored the region’s rising influence in shaping the future of international shipping.
Opening the AGM, ASA Chairperson Carmelita Hartoto reaffirmed Asia’s critical role in global maritime affairs. “We are united in our commitment to foster collaboration, accelerate decarbonisation, and embrace innovation,” she said.
“Asia is not just participating in global shipping, we are shaping its direction,” Carmelita revealed.
The AGM was followed by the International Shipping Forum (ISF), a key platform for dialogue among stakeholders. This year’s Forum was graced by the presence of IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, who delivered a keynote address.
Topics on the agenda ranged from regulatory compliance and workforce development to decarbonisation strategies and evolving maritime security challenges.
A standout theme at this year’s AGM was the wellbeing of seafarers — the often-overlooked human backbone of maritime logistics. Delegates expressed strong support for the latest amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, adopted in April 2025, which aim to improve mental health safeguards at sea. These include shore leave facilitation, anti-harassment policies, and recognition of seafarers as key workers.
“The stressors faced by seafarers — isolation, long separations from family, limited shore access, must no longer be tolerated as industry norms,” said an ASA representative. The association called for unified action across governments and shipowners to embed mental health into safety protocols and crew welfare policies.
Defending the Legal Pillar of Liability Limitations
In light of recent high-profile maritime incidents and mounting legal scrutiny, ASA strongly reaffirmed the critical importance of liability limitations. The association warned that weakening this long-standing principle could destabilise the legal and financial foundations of global shipping.
“Limitation of liability is not a loophole — it is a safeguard,” ASA stated. “It provides a predictable framework for risk management, protects smaller operators, and ensures continued investment in maritime infrastructure.”
The association called on international regulators to preserve the principle as a cornerstone of fair and effective maritime law.
Dual Focus
As maritime security risks intensify in strategic corridors, ASA urged greater vigilance and cooperation between shipping operators, regional authorities, and global partners.
“Timely incident reporting and maritime domain awareness are essential to keeping vital sea lanes safe,” delegates agreed.
On the environmental front, the ASA voiced support for a fair and balanced transition under the IMO’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction framework. Updates from the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meetings signaled major policy shifts, including new fuel standards and emissions levies.
ASA stressed the need for practical solutions that take into account the capacity of developing countries and smaller operators.
Trade Competitiveness and Fairness
With geopolitical tensions and trade protectionism on the rise, ASA raised concerns about growing barriers to market access for international shipping. “Global trade depends on predictable, non-discriminatory treatment of foreign-flagged vessels,” ASA warned.
The association called on Asian governments to champion transparent and harmonised regulatory frameworks and to maintain open dialogue with authorities overseeing key maritime chokepoints, such as the Suez and Panama Canals.
Sustainable Ship Recycling
ASA reaffirmed its long-standing support for responsible ship recycling practices. In light of the upcoming enforcement of the Hong Kong Convention (HKC), the association urged ship recycling nations to prepare adequately and prioritise the use of HKC-certified yards.
ASA also highlighted the need to resolve regulatory overlaps between the HKC and other international conventions like the Basel Convention, and called on the EU to align its Ship Recycling Regulation (EU-SRR) with the HKC. These efforts are vital for fostering a globally coherent, green, and economically viable ship recycling system.
During the AGM, Ms. Eleanor Keukura Roi, Vice-Chairperson of ASA and CEO of the Cook Islands Ship Owners Association (CISOA), was appointed as the incoming Chairperson of ASA.
“I am honoured by this opportunity to lead ASA at such a pivotal moment for the industry,” she said. “Together, we will continue to advance our shared priorities of connectivity, sustainability, and digital transformation.”
Mr. Yukikazu Myochin, President of the Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA), was named Vice-Chairperson.
The 35th ASA Annual General Meeting is scheduled to be held in the Cook Islands in May 2026.