The International Flag-State Association (IFA), which brings together the registries of Liberia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Panama, has signalled its intention to apply for consultative status at the International Maritime Organization.
If approved, the status would give the association a formal platform to engage in IMO deliberations and contribute more directly to the development of international shipping policy.
The IFA has been holding regular meetings since 2021, with cooperation among members expanding in recent years. In 2024, the group strengthened the Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC), enhancing data-sharing capabilities through an integrated online database.
The RISC platform is designed to support consultation between participating flag states by improving access to information on vessels suspected of non-compliance, regulatory evasion or other irregular activities.
Founding representatives of the IFA include Alfonso Castillero, chief executive of the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry; Bill Gallagher, senior deputy commissioner of maritime affairs at the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator; and Alexander De Gracia, deputy administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority.
In a joint statement, the representatives said the association represents more than 40% of global gross tonnage and was established to promote higher standards of maritime safety, security, environmental protection and seafarer welfare through practical and globally aligned regulation.
They added that shipping’s inherently international nature requires regulatory frameworks to remain global in scope, rather than fragmented by regional approaches.
