The IMO is supporting the development of a Pacific One-Maritime Framework (POMF) to unify efforts across the region to promote safety, security, decarbonisation and equitable access to shipping for remote communities.
The Framework was highlighted at the annual meeting of Pacific Heads of Maritime in Honiara, Solomon Islands (25-29 November).
Hosted by the Government of Solomon Islands through the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) with support from the Pacific Community (SPC), 15 Pacific Island countries and territories discussed a harmonised approach to addressing key challenges facing the maritime sector in the Pacific. Countries present included the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
During the meeting, IMO presented its recent capacity-building activities in the region, including support for digitalization, decarbonization and developing national maritime policies. Participants discussed opportunities to align future IMO initiatives with Pacific needs.
The POMF will assist the region and its international partners to coordinate and ensure cohesive capacity-building assistance that aligns with the Pacific's maritime priorities and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The aim is to finalize the Framework before the sixth Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministers Meeting in 2026.
Development of the Pacific One-Maritime Framework is funded by the European Union and implemented jointly by a range of partners, including IMO, SPC, the South Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP) and others.