EXHIBIT 32.1

             CERTIFICATION OF CEO PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
       (ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002)

         In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of International
Shipholding Corporation (the "Company") for the year ending December 31, 2003 as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the
"Report"), Erik F. Johnsen, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of
his knowledge:

         (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

         (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company.

Dated: March 5, 2004

                                                /s/ Erik F. Johnsen
                                          ---------------------------------
                                                   Erik F. Johnsen
                                              Chairman of the Board and
                                               Chief Executive Officer

         A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has
been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished
to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

         This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for
purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.