IMO updated Asia-Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies (APHoMSA) on its work on the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions at its annual meeting which took place in Sydney, Australia (5-8 June). IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) is expected to adopt an upgraded strategy containing concrete GHG reduction targets for the global shipping sector when it meets in early July for its 80th session. (See a preview of MEPC 80.) 

The IMO delegation was taking part in APHoMSA’s annual gathering as one of several invited observers, alongside representatives from 26 countries.  

Topics discussed included women in maritime, safety at sea and seafarer welfare, protection of the marine environment, maritime incident response, and improving regional cooperation. See here for the full APHoMSA Outcomes Statement. 

IMO confirmed its support to the Pacific Community (SPC) and its members for its implementation of the Regional Strategy for Safety of Navigation 2023-2027, which was endorsed recently by the 5th Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministers’ Meeting. IMO agreed to participate in a re-established Women in Maritime correspondence group which will contribute to the development of a new Women in Maritime Regional Strategy. 

The meeting heard about the experiences of Timor-Leste in establishing a National Contingency Plan for oil spills. IMO confirmed support to Timor Leste through technical cooperation activities to support implementation of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC). 

At the meeting, APHoMSA members approved Samoa’s membership of the group, and Palau has since formally submitted a letter seeking membership. This has been put to the members. If no objections are received by 3 July, Palau and Samoa will be added as APHoMSA members. Marshall Islands, Nauru and Tonga also expressed their intention to join. 

The APHoMSA meeting was co-hosted by Australia and Mongolia, and chaired by Mick Kinley, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The event was opened by Otgonsuren Damdinsuren, Director General, Mongolia Maritime Administration.   

The IMO delegation comprised of B. Sitki Ustaoglu, along with Mavis Joseph, Nester Nalangu and Maria Biaun from IMO’s regional presence office in the Pacific.