After nearly 20 years of operation the Paris MOU has set its course for the years ahead. Determined targeting of substandard ships, greater transparency to the outside world and a higher level of harmonization and quality are goals for the future. At the same time ship owners, flag States, classification societies and charterers will be held accountable for their performance and involvement with sub-standard ships. While on the other hand, companies, ships and flags with a good safety record will be rewarded for investing in quality shipping.