Who We Are

Interferry is the only shipping association representing the ferry industry world-wide. There are currently 220 members (representing approximately 500 individuals) from 26 countries.

Interferry was originally formed in 1976 as the International Marine Transit Association in order to:

• Research and collect information on developments within and affecting the ferry industry
• Exchange information and technical data through an international network of members
• Stimulate industry cooperation and advancement by providing a forum for people to share experiences and learn from others

In addition to facilitating networking amongst its members, Interferry represents the industry regarding regulatory matters. To fulfill this role Interferry has attained Consultative Status at the International Maritime Organization and Observer Status at the European Community Shipowners Association.

Over the past three decades networking within the industry has been facilitated by the Annual Interferry Conference. The conference has been held in many different areas of the world, including the following sites of recent and future conferences:

• Venice, Italy – 2000
• Seattle, USA – 2001
• Brisbane, Australia – 2002
• Rotterdam, Netherlands – 2003
• Freeport, Bahamas – 2004
• Athens, Greece – 2005
• Long Beach, USA – 2006
• Stockholm, Sweden – 2007
• Hong Kong, China – 2008
• Istanbul, Turkey – 2009

Interferry supports the following principles:

• Safety of passengers, crew, cargo and ships; adherence to safety regulations;
• Free, fair and open competition;
• Fair and equitable shipping regulations, consistently applied; and
• Protection of the natural environment; adherence to environmental regulations.