Monitoring adverse changes within the shipping industry, ISCOS ports performance, freight charges and surcharges and other levies on the trade and advise the Member Governments and other stake holders on required interventions accordingly.
Training traders (in collaboration with not only ISCOS other directorates but also other organizations) in Member States matters related to appropriate use of INCOTERMS and establishments/support of the shipper councils for collective bargaining power.
Promoting Public- Private Partnerships (PPP) in shipping and shipping investments in the region
Advocacy for the harmonization of maritime policies for seamless flow of traffic throughout the region.
Undertaking research, generation and interpretation of relevant statistics for use by stakeholders
compiling statistical data with a view to advising the Governments on the level and structure of freight rates, port operating costs, conditions of marine carriage and other factors related to sea transport as well as land transport systems
Promoting and coordinating the development and growth of a viable and efficient regional and coastal shipping industry
Promoting effective partnerships between governments and private sector in investment and management of deep-sea shipping, coastal shipping, multimodal transport, river and lake shipping services
Undertaking feasibility studies/investment appraisals on maritime/shipping related projects for financial assistance by the development partners
Ensuring ISCOS plays its role as regional consultative forum matters related to general rate increase (G.R.I), Vessel Delay Surcharges (VDS) or Port Congestion Surcharge(PCS) and other charges; as well as matters affecting ports productivity and the subsequent impact on unit transport cost