Interferry facilitates networking and communications within the ferry industry and represents the ferry industry on regulatory and policy matters.

As a Non-Government Organization, we are funded solely through membership.

Our members guide our regulatory efforts to ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, cargo and ships, while also ensuring that fair and equitable regulations exist for the ferry industry, including free, fair and open competition, as well as the protection of the environment.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

  • Access to networking opportunities with over 260 member companies and 1,000 individuals in the ferry industry from 40 countries
  • Regular and frequent updates on issues of importance to the ferry industry
  • Direct access to the regulatory and policy decision-making process at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union
  • An automatic seat on the Operators Policy Committee for Operators in Levels 1 – 3 (see description below)
  • Discount on Annual Conference registration and access to member-only content

YEAR-ROUND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Interferry hosts an annual international conference at a strategic location attended by senior management from across the ferry industry. Our members receive discounted conference registration and tailored opportunities for sponsorship and exhibition. While the conference is strongly attended by our members it is also open to non-members to encourage growth in the association and extend our networks.

Beyond the in-person networking opportunities at our conference, our members have access to our private member directory. While a general company member list is available public-facing, the private member directory allows you to search individual contacts by country, business type, and more.

OUR INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY ROLE

Navigating regulatory affairs is a top priority for Interferry because of its importance to our Operator members. Our Swedish office is dedicated to helping shift and form regulations and policies relating to the ferry industry.

Interferry obtained Consultative Status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2003. This is the designation (given only to a select group of NGO’s) provides the opportunity to participate in the discussions and debates at IMO regarding the development of international shipping regulations on behalf of our ferry-operator members.

In addition to our own efforts and to avoid duplication of effort with other shipping associations, Interferry has established close working relationships with the US Passenger Vessel Association, the Canadian Ferry Association, BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping, the European Community Shipowners Association and Discover Ferries.

OPERATORS POLICY COMMITTEE

Interferry members who fall within the membership levels of Operator 1, 2 and 3 are given a seat on our Operators Policy Committee (OPC) and any Operator below these levels may upgrade their membership level if they wish to take advantage of this opportunity.

The OPC (led by Director of Regulatory Affairs, Johan Roos) provides strategic oversight to Interferry’s three key sub-committees: the Domestic Safety Committee, the Security Committee and the Regulatory Committee. There is also an Operators Working Group that provides technical advice on regulatory matters.

Any Interferry member may nominate a person for membership in this group.

The OPC and sub-committees determine where Interferry directs our regulatory efforts. Working collaboratively with our members, we identify pressing industry issues and aim to help form and revise policies to ensure that ferry operator’s concerns are being addressed.