The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched a new Regional Presence Office (RPO) in Suva, Fiji, aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and capacity development across the Pacific. This office will assist Pacific nations in implementing global maritime safety and environmental standards, while also advancing their maritime sectors. During the inauguration, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the importance of shipping and the blue economy for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which rely heavily on maritime transport.
The RPO will serve as a hub for coordination and technical expertise, directly supporting Pacific countries in their maritime endeavors. Dominguez noted that the office reflects a commitment to prioritizing Pacific SIDS and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Fiji’s Minister for Public Works, Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau, highlighted the office’s role in addressing challenges like safety compliance and pollution prevention, thereby strengthening regional maritime governance.
The office will also facilitate ongoing IMO projects focused on ocean protection, emission reduction, and women’s empowerment in maritime sectors. Dominguez encouraged Pacific nations to engage with the IMO to implement the upcoming Net-Zero Framework aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships by 2025. The RPO is part of IMO’s global network, which includes several regional offices worldwide.
