IMO’s Fred Kenney participated in the 3rd International Maritime Congress held in Szczecin, Poland (8-11 June). Speaking on behalf of IMO Secretary-General Sekimizu at the opening session, Mr Kenney stressed the need for coordinated, uniform, global regulation of shipping through the IMO system of shared responsibilities. He also spoke about this year’s World Maritime Day theme “Maritime education and training” and the new IMO Maritime Ambassador Scheme. Mr Kenney later participated in a panel discussion on “The future of the sea”, where, in addition to re-emphasising the IMO system of global regulation, he addressed recent developments with the Polar Code, MARPOL Annexes IV and VI, the Hong Kong Ship Recycling Convention, and the HNS Protocol.
The Congress attracted over 900 participants from around Europe and North America and was also addressed by the Deputy Prime Minister of Poland and the Minister of Transport.