The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has initiated a two-year global campaign centered on the 2026-2027 World Maritime Day theme: “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the importance of translating regulatory frameworks into actionable outcomes that benefit the maritime community. He highlighted the need for high standards to be universally applied across ports and ships, reinforcing IMO’s commitment to fostering this transition through technical support.
The campaign aims to enhance Member States’ understanding and enforcement of IMO conventions, addressing gaps identified in national laws through the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). It will focus on nine key areas, including capacity development, tailored support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and the integration of innovative safety standards.
Additional priorities include ensuring regulatory readiness for decarbonization, combating maritime fraud, and enhancing cybersecurity. The IMO plans to implement a comprehensive action plan featuring outreach activities, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and social media engagement, encouraging Member States to participate actively. Dominguez urged stakeholders to transform policy decisions into tangible results that benefit the maritime sector globally.
