On Thursday, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will celebrate World Maritime Day, emphasizing environmental protection. This year’s theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” underscores the ocean’s vital role in climate regulation and global trade. The IMO aims to enhance shipping sustainability while promoting career opportunities in the maritime sector.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is grappling with a deep divide over its Net-Zero Framework, which proposes a global fuel standard and emissions pricing for ships. Supporters view it as essential for decarbonization, while opponents, including the U.S., criticize it as a “global carbon tax,” raising concerns about economic impacts.
During a UN Security Council debate on August 11, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stressed the urgent need for increased vigilance and collaboration among Member States to tackle rising maritime security threats. He emphasized that “maritime security is a shared responsibility,” urging a unified approach focused on prevention and innovation to protect ships and seafarers.
During his visit to Fiji National University’s Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies, IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez urged the advancement of sustainable marine transportation. He proposed a market analysis of the shipping industry’s needs and offered consultancy services. This initiative aims to enhance local expertise and revive shipbuilding courses, honoring Pacific island heritage.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has inaugurated a new Regional Presence Office in Suva, Fiji, to enhance maritime cooperation in the Pacific. This office will aid Pacific nations in implementing global maritime standards, focusing on safety compliance, pollution prevention, and supporting the blue economy vital for Small Island Developing States.
The Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO) has achieved NGO advisory status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and will participate in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference meetings. This milestone enhances NEMO’s role in ensuring safe nuclear energy use in maritime environments, contributing to global decarbonization and energy security efforts.
During its 134th session, the IMO Council approved a two-year theme for Maritime Day: “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” This initiative aims to enhance Member States’ abilities to translate policies into actionable practices, promoting safer and more environmentally sound shipping while aligning with the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is enhancing global ship safety by addressing work/rest periods, fatigue, and harassment. In its 110th session, the Maritime Safety Committee focused on revising the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, improving compliance, and assigning responsibilities for incident reporting and victim support in maritime environments.
In May 2024, the International Maritime Organization approved amendments to the STCW Code, addressing violence and harassment in the maritime sector. Effective January 1, 2026, new training requirements will focus on preventing and responding to issues like sexual assault and bullying, enhancing seafarers’ competencies in these critical areas.
At the 110th session of the Maritime Safety Committee, IMO General Secretary Arsenio Dominguez highlighted the critical importance of maritime security and environmental protection. Mourning the loss of seafarers from recent tragedies, he called for enhanced compliance with IMO standards and effective emergency responses to ensure the safety of maritime operations.
The “IMO Net-Zero Framework” outlines a dual strategy for the shipping industry, focusing on a global fuel standard and emission pricing. With urgent calls for investment in technology and alternative fuels, it mandates that international ships evolve their practices over time, emphasizing the need for upskilling the maritime workforce by 2030.
Ahead of World Oceans Day on June 8, Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, called for stronger global commitments to protect the ocean. He emphasized the shared responsibility of governments, industries, and civil society, stating, “We all have a responsibility to safeguard our precious marine environment.”
In October, the International Maritime Organization will implement a framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships over 5,000 GT, targeting net-zero by 2050. Ethanol, produced from renewable sources, emerges as a potential alternative fuel. However, challenges like energy density, corrosiveness, and safety concerns must be addressed for effective adoption.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has proposed new measures to transition to zero-emission fuels, yet the Global Maritime Forum warns these may lack sufficient incentives for e-fuels like green ammonia and e-methanol. Early competitiveness is vital to prevent bottlenecks in decarbonisation, with targeted incentives deemed essential for success.
Karin Orsel, a pioneering Dutch shipowner, received the International Maritime Organization’s Gender Equality Award on May 16. Emphasizing mentorship and support for women in maritime, she has led MF Shipping Group to significant growth. Orsel advocates for diversity and sees decarbonization as a key opportunity for women’s advancement in the industry.
