Business Details
26 Years
experience
Global Liner Shipping Advocates & Industry Leaders
We are the united voice of international liner shipping, dedicated to shaping the future growth of a sustainable, safe, and secure shipping industry. With decades of collective experience in maritime affairs, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance, our team works closely with policymakers and industry leaders to advance global trade facilitation. Our expertise spans environmental action, biodiversity protection, safety at sea, and secure supply chain management.As a trusted authority, we represent 90% of global liner shipping capacity, connecting over 150 countries through 4,000 ports annually. Our commitment to transparency, innovation, and industry leadership ensures we remain at the forefront of shaping international shipping policy while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence and client-focused solutions.
Services
Liner Shipping
Environmental Policy
Safety Initiatives
Supply Chain Security
Regional Policy
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We represent 90% of global liner shipping capacity.
- Our team combines decades of maritime and regulatory expertise.
- We lead industry-wide environmental sustainability efforts.
- We prioritize safety and security across global supply chains.
- We actively shape international shipping policy and regulation.
Services
Liner Shipping
Liner shipping provides scheduled container transport services across global trade routes. This service connects 150+ countries through 4,000 ports annually, moving over 250 million containers yearly. It enables cost-effective, reliable transportation for consumer goods, industrial materials, and essential commodities.
Environmental Policy
Our environmental policy initiatives focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preventing wildlife trafficking, and protecting marine biodiversity. We develop industry-wide strategies for sustainable shipping practices, including ship recycling programs and invasive species prevention measures that align with global climate goals.
Safety Initiatives
Safety initiatives encompass seafarer protection, cargo security, and vessel integrity programs. We implement international safety standards, develop emergency response protocols, and promote best practices for accident prevention across the global shipping industry to ensure safe transportation of goods.
Supply Chain Security
Supply chain security programs safeguard goods throughout their journey by implementing anti-smuggling measures, container security protocols, and cybersecurity frameworks. Our initiatives protect against cargo theft, tampering, and other threats while maintaining efficient global trade operations.
Regional Policy
Regional policy work addresses location-specific shipping regulations and compliance requirements. We engage with local governments to harmonize international standards with regional needs, ensuring smooth operations while addressing environmental, safety, and trade facilitation concerns across different jurisdictions.
People
Joe Kramek
President and CEO
President and CEO since 2024 with 28 years U.S. Coast Guard experience. Former Chief of Maritime Law and IMO delegation leader. Expert in maritime cybersecurity and international shipping regulations.
Lars Kjaer
Senior Vice President
Since inception member with expertise in maritime safety and container standards. Chairs ISO Technical Committee 104 and represents WSC in IMO safety negotiations with 30+ years industry experience.
Bryan Wood-Thomas
Vice President, Environmental Policy
Leads environmental efforts since 2008. Former EPA director with expertise in international environmental treaties and IMO negotiations. Holds degrees from Syracuse, SUNY, and Harvard Universities.
John Walsh
Chief Operating Officer
COO since 2025 with 20 years Coast Guard service including ship command. MBA from University of Washington and engineering degree from U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Technology program management background.
George Charalampidis
Director, Regulatory Affairs
Established London office with focus on IMO representation. Former International Chamber of Shipping representative with expertise in maritime law. Holds LLM in International Maritime Law from Swansea University.
Questions
What is the World Shipping Council's primary role?
We represent global liner shipping interests, advocating for sustainable practices, safety standards, and policy reforms. Our work focuses on environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and industry innovation.
How does WSC contribute to environmental protection?
We lead initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prevent wildlife trafficking, and protect marine biodiversity through industry-wide sustainability programs and international regulatory engagement.
What geographic regions do you operate in?
We maintain offices in Washington, Brussels, London, and Singapore, serving global shipping interests across 150+ countries through regional policy engagement and international advocacy.
How does WSC ensure maritime safety?
We develop safety standards, emergency protocols, and seafarer protection programs while collaborating with international bodies to enhance vessel integrity and cargo security globally.
What are your main policy focus areas?
Key priorities include environmental sustainability, maritime safety, supply chain security, and regulatory harmonization through engagement with IMO, EU institutions, and national governments.
