CSG was originally established in the 1960s and serves as a forum for discussion and coordination of maritime policy issues, with a particular focus on market access, protectionism, and a level playing field. CSG monitors and responds to discriminatory, restrictive, or unilateral maritime policy measures that may affect international shipping.
The CSG countries together represent around 20 percent of the world’s total tonnage (DWT).
An affiliated forum, the Belmont Shipping Club, serves as a regular platform for the CSG countries’ maritime attachés in Washington, D.C. The Belmont Shipping Club supports ongoing dialogue and exchange of information with U.S. authorities and stakeholders.
CSG holds annual meetings, in Washington, D.C., USA in even years, and on a rotating basis among member countries in odd years.
Member countries and chairmanship
The following countries are members of CSG: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
The European Commission participates in CSG meetings as an observer.
Denmark took over the chairmanship and secretariat function in 2007 from the United Kingdom and has since coordinated CSG’s work and meeting activities.