The Asian Shipowners Forum (ASF) is the most significant grouping of ship-owning interests in the region, comprising as it does the senior-most representatives of many individual prestigious companies. The ASF is an unincorporated body of the national shipowner associations from Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The work of the Forum is principally driven by the work of five standing committees whose members are drawn from the whole region.

Each of the so-called 'S' committees - Shipping Economics Review Committee, Safe Navigation and Environment Committee, Ship Insurance and Liability Committee, Ship Recycling Committee and Seafarers Committee - have permanent secretariats provided by member associations. These secretariats ensure that the work of the committees proceeds effectively and seamlessly even though the Chairmanship and secretariat for the ASF as a whole is currently rotated between the members on an annual basis. This 14th ASF marks the end of the second 'rotation' between the seven member groups, and in 2006 the third 'north to south rotation' commences again with the Japanese Shipowners' Association as the host.

From very humble beginnings in 1992, the ASF and its members have grown to become a major force in world shipping, controlling and operating over 40% of the world's cargo carrying fleet and probably in excess of 60% of the world's container fleet.

The ASF is uniquely characterised by the attendance of the most senior representatives of each of the participating member companies, allowing open and frank discussion and policy agreement without the need to refer back to base for approval. The forum routinely agrees and sets policy on a consensual basis, validating and strengthening the combined voice of the members.

The challenge for the members now is how to take this Asian voice into the wider world of global shipping. Decisions taken at a global level by international organisations largely based in Europe and by other regional bodies need to be routinely influenced by Asian views and opinion. The ASF is the logical body to provide the necessary input.

The Australian Shipowners Association (ASA) is a very strong supporter of the ASF, having been a founder member in 1992 and having played an active role in the work of the committees since then. This 14th Forum is the second time that this relatively small association has hosted the Forum, and we are very humbled and honoured that so many delegates have graced us with their presence. Australia may be relatively small in ship-owning terms, but we take our responsibilities extremely seriously and we will continue to play our part in ensuring that Asia's shipping voice achieves its rightful place in our global shipping market.

Welcome to Australia, work hard - and have fun also.