Bahamas Shipowners Association

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Bahamas Shipowners Association

The Bahamas Shipowners Association collaborates with global regulating bodies to provide active support for safe and efficient marine transportation

The Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA) was inaugurated in London on 11 July 1997 by the then Bahamas Minister of Transport, James F Knowles. The Association represents the shipowners of the sixth largest register in the world and members have common interests and a purpose. Having joined, most members choose to remain members of this influential body, pooling knowledge and experience, and collectively provide a clear voice on industry matters.

27/08/2026

Global trade depends on seafarers, whose professionalism and dedication keep the world's supply chains moving. Yet the fair treatment of seafarers remains a critical issue for the global maritime industry, with the criminalization of seafarers, arbitrary detention and prolonged imprisonment in foreign jurisdictions continuing to raise serious concerns.

Recognizing the importance of this issue, the Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA) stands alongside the collective efforts of the International Maritime Organization - IMO, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) to promote the fair treatment of seafarers. Seafarers should never face unjust criminalization for carrying out their professional duties.

The BSA is committed to working with the global shipping community, governments, and international organizations to promote the fair treatment of seafarers, uphold their fundamental rights, and help ensure they are protected from unjust criminalization and detention.

25/08/2026

Safety is one of the three core policy pillars of the Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA).

The BSA is committed to promoting the highest standards of safety across the Bahamian-flagged fleet, supporting responsible shipping, quality operations, and compliance with international best practices.

Safety at sea extends far beyond navigation. It encompasses the health and wellbeing of seafarers, effective training, reliable onboard equipment, and the proper construction and maintenance of ships—all essential elements in ensuring safe and efficient maritime operations.

Working closely with the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA), the BSA supports its Members in maintaining high safety standards as an integral part of their day-to-day operations. This commitment is reflected in the consistently strong Port State Control performance of the Bahamas Flag.

👉🏼 Learn more about the BSA’s policies: www.bahamasshipownersassociation.com/policies/

20/08/2026

📅 Registration for the BSA Maritime Industry Forum 2026 & Annual General Meeting is now open to BSA Members and invited guests.

On behalf of Capt. Domenico Rognoni, Chair of the Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA), and the BSA Board, we are pleased to invite Members to the Association's Annual General Meeting and the BSA Maritime Industry Forum 2026, on Wednesday 30 September 2026, at Villa Pallavicino delle Peschiere in Genoa, Italy. The event can be attended in person or online.

Timeline for the afternoon — all times CEST (Genoa local time)

1300 – 1330 Registration and Coffee (Online lobby opens at 1315)
1330 – 1630 BSA Maritime Industry Forum & AGM
1630 – 1830 Reception

Under the theme “Building Resilience in a Changing Maritime Landscape”, this year’s Forum will bring together senior representatives from the international maritime community to discuss some of the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of global shipping.

The moderated discussion will address:
🔹Geopolitical Risk & Marine Insurance, with Tom Williams, Head of Underwriting – Offshore & Renewables, NorthStandard
🔹The Future of Shipbuilding, with Attilio Dapelo, Senior Vice President, Naval Vessels Division, Fincantieri
🔹Port State Control & Compliance, with Stephen Keenan, Senior Deputy Director – Head of Inspections & Surveys Department, Bahamas Maritime Authority

Attendance is reserved exclusively for BSA Members and invited guests, with participation available either in person in Genoa or online via Microsoft Teams.

🔹To attend in person, register here: https://bit.ly/4cqKKas
🔹To attend online, register here: https://bit.ly/4g2gt44

Please register by Friday, 18 September 2026.

We look forward to welcoming BSA Members and invited guests for an afternoon of insightful discussion, industry perspectives, and engagement with the BSA community.

👉🏼 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4gFhi2X

18/08/2026

As regulatory focus on shipping decarbonization continues to intensify, the transition to cleaner operations will depend not only on regulation but also on the availability, scalability and affordability of sustainable fuels and technologies.

Sustainable marine fuels remain significantly more costly than conventional fuels, while the infrastructure needed to support their wider adoption is still developing. Bridging this gap will require targeted investment, practical incentives and close cooperation between regulators, shipowners, fuel producers, ports, and technology providers.

In this context, the Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA) is fully aligned with and supports the industry-wide principle that revenues generated through maritime-related decarbonization measures should be reinvested in the shipping sector. Such funds should help de-risk investments in sustainable fuels, port infrastructure, clean technologies and practical solutions that support compliance without undermining the competitiveness of international shipping.

13/08/2026

The Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA) would like to bring to the attention of all Members important updates issued by the International Maritime Organization - IMO regarding the inspection and maintenance of Permanent Means of Access (PMA).

Under the MSC.1/Circ.1572/Rev.2, the IMO has revised the unified interpretations of SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-6, introducing updated guidance for oil tankers (500 GT and above) and bulk carriers (20,000 GT and above) constructed on or after January 1, 2006.

Among the key updates is the recommendation for annual inspections of PMAs by the crew or another competent person, together with enhanced guidance on maintenance, inspection, and record-keeping.

Given that PMA are subject to deterioration through operational damage and corrosion, regular inspection and maintenance remain essential to ensuring the continued safety of personnel and compliance with applicable requirements.

👉 DNV has published a statutory news article on the revised interpretation of IMO requirements for the inspection and maintenance of Permanent Means of Access (PMA). Read more here: bit.ly/4gVLAiw

11/08/2026

Over 145 million tons of seaborne cement are estimated to be traded annually, with volumes continuing to grow.

Cement is carried either in bulk or in bags, using dedicated cement carriers or conventional bulk carriers. While dedicated cement carriers utilize specialized pneumatic loading and closed-system self-unloading arrangements that minimize dust generation and cargo hardening, the carriage of cement on conventional bulk carriers can present significant operational and cargo-handling challenges.

Against this backdrop, the Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA) wishes to highlight to its Members the recently published guidance by Britannia P&I Club on the safe carriage of cement. The guidance highlights key operational considerations associated with transporting cement cargoes and provides practical recommendations aimed at mitigating risks related to cargo damage, contamination, moisture ingress, dust generation, and handling procedures.

👉 Read Britannia P&I Club’s guidance on transporting cement here: bit.ly/4h1cx4m

06/08/2026

The sea has enabled the transport of goods and people throughout history, offering unique advantages for the movement of large volumes of cargo with comparatively low energy use. While this makes shipping one of the most environmentally efficient modes of transportation, it also reinforces the industry's responsibility to manage its environmental impact carefully.

Potential risks such as greenhouse gas emissions, oil and chemical spills, ballast water-related invasive species and underwater noise highlight the need for continuous attention, effective regulation and practical solutions across the maritime sector.

The Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA) recognizes sustainability as a key priority for the future of shipping and the protection of the marine environment. In this context, the BSA supports sustainable shipping development, particularly through its involvement in the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), while also advocating for competitively neutral regulation and effective solutions that minimize environmental impacts and address identified needs.

👉Learn more about the BSA’s policies: www.bahamasshipownersassociation.com/policies/

03/08/2026

On this historical day, the Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA) joins The Bahamas in commemorating Emancipation Day, a national occasion of reflection, heritage and cultural pride.

Marked annually on the first Monday in August, Emancipation Day is associated with community gatherings, cultural traditions, regattas and celebrations that reflect the unique identity of The Bahamas and its deep connection to the sea.

On behalf of the BSA Chairman, Capt. Domenico Rognoni, and the BSA Board Members, Happy Emancipation Day!

30/07/2026

The Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA) brings to the attention of all Members the latest draft adjustments announced by the Canal de Panamá for vessels transiting the Neopanamax Locks.

Effective July 24, 2026, the maximum authorised draft for vessels using the Neopanamax Locks has been reduced to 49.0 feet (14.94 metres) in Tropical Fresh Water (TFW). A further adjustment will take effect on August 15, reducing the maximum authorised draft to 48.5 feet (14.78 metres) in TFW. The adjustments form part of the Panama Canal Authority’s ongoing water management strategy under current hydrological conditions, and are due in part to concerns that an El Niño weather pattern could develop later in the year and extend into 2027, potentially impacting rainfall and reservoir levels.

While the adjustment is not expected to reduce the number of daily ship transits, shipowners and operators are advised to take it into account in their operational planning.

👉Stay informed by following the Panama Canal Authority’s official updates at: pancanal.com/en/news/

28/07/2026

In recognition of the high standards maintained by the Bahamas flag, the Bahamas has once again gained its U.S. Coast Guard QUALSHIP 21 status for the 2026–2027 period.

This achievement reflects an exceptional performance for Bahamas-registered vessels in 2025, with only one detention from 591 USCG PSC inspections; the best annual PSC performance ever recorded for the Bahamas Flag.

The Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA) congratulates the owners of Bahamian-flagged vessels and the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) on this significant achievement and for maintaining one of the world's leading ship registries through its unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory excellence.

Maintaining this standard requires the continued commitment of the entire maritime community. The BSA therefore encourages all Members with Bahamas-registered vessels calling at US ports to ensure their ships are fully prepared for the possibility of a US Coast Guard Port State Control inspection.

👉 Learn more: bit.ly/4vBOb5E

Address

226 Shirley Street
City Of Nassau
N-4679

Website

https://www.bahamasshipownersassociation.com/

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