Dr. Balkin, nominated by the Australian Government, received the prestigious International Maritime Prize at the IMO Awards Ceremony in London on November 24, 2025. Presented by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, the award recognized her remarkable five-decade career, notably as the first female leader of the Comité Maritime International.
The livestock carrier Spiridon II has offloaded nearly 3,000 cattle in Benghazi, Libya, after being stranded off Turkey for over a month. The voyage, which began in Uruguay, resulted in numerous animal deaths, prompting the Animal Welfare Foundation to demand an investigation into potential MARPOL violations and the welfare of remaining livestock.
The Tripartite Forum recently convened in Busan, South Korea, with over 70 delegates from 13 nations reaffirming support for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as the key global shipping regulator. This follows delays in implementing a crucial carbon pricing system due to geopolitical tensions among member states, affecting sustainability timelines.
The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) has voiced concerns over the International Maritime Organisation’s decision to delay the Net-Zero Framework adoption by a year. This postponement could impede emission reduction efforts and climate targets in the shipping sector, highlighting the urgent need for effective strategies to combat climate change.
Ahead of a crucial vote at the IMO, billionaire Andrew Forrest criticized alleged “intimidatory tactics” affecting delegates’ integrity. He pledged support for those facing coercion, stressing the need for justice. Despite these concerns, the Marine Environment Protection Committee postponed discussions on the Net-Zero Framework for a year, disappointing industry leaders.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is set to conduct an IMSAS audit of Panama from October 13 to 20, 2025. This audit, mandatory since 2016, aims to evaluate maritime safety, environmental protection, and seafarer training. Deputy Administrator Alexander De Gracia emphasized its significance for Panama’s maritime leadership and international cooperation.
The U.S. has intensified opposition to a proposed global shipping carbon tax at the IMO summit in London, warning of potential economic retaliation. Labeling the plan a “Global Green New Scam Tax,” Trump urged rejection, citing risks to shipping costs and American interests, while proposing procedural changes to delay new emissions rules.
As the IMO reviews its Net-Zero Framework, the Wall Street Journal’s Editorial Board opposes the proposal, labeling it “taxation without representation.” The framework could generate $10-12 billion annually from shipping carbon fees, potentially raising global shipping costs and impacting consumers, all while undermining democratic oversight and accountability.
Twenty leading green fuel producers are urging the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to embrace the Net Zero Framework (NZF) for sustainable shipping. At a crucial meeting in London, they advocate for incentives for green e-fuels, which could significantly reduce emissions but currently face competition from cheaper, less sustainable options.
The European Union has reaffirmed its support for the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, despite opposition from the Trump administration. A vote on the initiative, which aims to implement a carbon-pricing regime for international shipping, is scheduled for October 14-17. The EU emphasizes the framework’s importance in decarbonizing the shipping sector.
The United States has warned of potential visa restrictions and sanctions against countries supporting a UN proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ocean shipping. As the International Maritime Organization prepares to vote on the Net-Zero Framework, U.S. officials express concerns over economic risks and unauthorized global taxation.
Heads of seven shipping associations, including Danish Shipping, are urging the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to adopt its Net-Zero Framework (NZF) in October. They warn that failing to do so could complicate the green transition and create inconsistent regional climate regulations, undermining global efforts toward climate-neutral shipping by 2050.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is supporting Pacific Island countries in implementing the Pacific One-Maritime Framework (POMF). This initiative aims to improve maritime safety, security, and equitable shipping access. Recent meetings in Fiji focused on the draft Implementation Plan and regional collaboration, enhancing capacity development across the Pacific.
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.
