What is the Equasis Shipping Database?
Equasis is an online database that aims to facilitate the exchange of information in the shipping industry. As an integrated information system, it provides detailed information on the performance of ships, maritime agencies, and shipping companies from public and private sources.
Brief overview of Equasis
Equasis not only promotes transparency but also brings together dispersed and difficult-to-access information.
It is a non-profit organization established by the European Commission and the French Maritime Association to promote the unbiased exchange of information. It was founded in 1997 and began operations in 2000.
Since its inception, it has been committed to compiling and making maritime information freely available. Ship safety and quality data for the global merchant fleet are available online. Access to this information is simply by registering. Equasis has an international reputation and is considered the most reliable open-source source of information on the global shipping fleet.
For many years, Equasis has been providing objective and transparent information, allowing users to form their own opinions on ships and their operators. In this way, Equasis has made a significant contribution to improving maritime safety and ship quality.
The Equasis database currently contains data on more than 85,000 vessels, with all vessels in service with a gross tonnage of more than 100 GT available here. Detailed information comes from more than 50 data providers who regularly contribute data to the Equasis database.
These providers include the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the seven Port State Control Systems, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), Protection and Indemnity Clubs (P&I), classification societies, industry associations, data providers and companies that share trade-related data. EMSA is responsible for and manages the Equasis Management Unit.
Main objectives of Equasis
The main reasons for creating a system such as Equasis are as follows:
- To reduce substandard shipping by providing information on ship safety.
- To create a non-commercial system that can be used by everyone worldwide.
- To create an international database covering all global fleets.
- To seek effective cooperation between all maritime authorities worldwide.
- To collect and disseminate information on the quality and safety of the global merchant fleet on a single platform.
- To provide accurate information on ship characteristics and management.
- Provides information about shipping companies.
Equasis was developed and managed primarily by France and the European Commission, with financial support from the maritime authorities of the United Kingdom, Spain, Singapore, and Japan.
