Whats New 2015
Dates set for completion of regional training centre
Firm dates have been set for the completion and inauguration of the Djibouti Regional Training Centre (DRTC) in Doraleh, Djibouti. In an amended Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IMO and the Government of Djibouti (03 June), it was agreed that the DRTC would be completed by 31 October this year prior to an inauguration ceremony no later than 18 November. (click to read more)
Maritime Safety Committee opens
Passenger ship safety and unsafe mixed migration by sea were highlighted by IMO Secretary-General Sekimizu as two key areas of work as he opened the 95th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), which meets 3-12 June. A special session of the MSC will be held on Tuesday 9 June, on unsafe mixed migration by sea. (see photos here).
On-scene coordination training in Republic of the Sudan
A sub-regional training programme on maritime incident response is underway in Khartoum, the Republic of the Sudan (1-12 June). Run by IMO, with the East African Standby Force (EASF) and Nordic Advisory and Coordination Staff (NACS), the programme is focused on on-scene search and rescue coordination, with special emphasis on incidents involving piracy and robbery against ships.The programme is being conducted under the auspices of the Djibouti Regional Training Centre. (click to read more)
Maritime law students graduate
The IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) has held its 26th annual Graduation Ceremony in Valletta, Malta (30 May). Thirty-nine students from 28 countries graduated from programs covering all areas of international maritime law, including international law of the sea, shipping law, marine environmental law, international maritime security law and maritime legislation drafting. The Ceremony was presided over by IMO’s Mr Frederick Kenney, Director of the Legal Affairs and External Relations Division, representing IMO Secretary-General and Chairman of the IMLI Governing Board Mr Koji Sekimizu.
IMO at Bonn climate change talks
IMO's work to mitigate climate change through mandatory energy efficiency requirements for international shipping has been outlined during the Bonn UN Climate change Conference (1-11 June). IMO's Astrid Dispert has presented IMO's ongoing work to the 42nd session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 42).
Discussing maritime migrant flows
The issue of migrants at sea, including maritime migrant flows in the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, off Australia and in the Caribbean, has been on the agenda at a panel discussion featuring IMO’s Frederick Kenney and the Hellenic Coast Guard, in Rhodes, Greece (27 May). Mr Kenney discussed IMO’s recent and current challenges at the event, which was sponsored by the Athena Institute of Rhodes and the Rhodes Law of the Sea “Summer Abroad Program” of Tulane University Law School.
Workshops boost marine environment protection
IMO experts are running two regional workshops dealing with the implementation of the London Protocol and Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) respectively, hosted by the Regional Organization for the Conservation of Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA)
in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (24-28 May). The PERSGA region is an important
shipping route, known for its unique and diverse ecosystem and is
therefore under threat by various forms of pollution.
in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (24-28 May). The PERSGA region is an important
shipping route, known for its unique and diverse ecosystem and is
therefore under threat by various forms of pollution.
MEPC outcomes presented
The key outcomes of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 68th session in relation to fuel oil, emissions and energy-efficiency measures have been outlined by IMO’s Edmund Hughes to participants at the Platts 6th Annual European Bunker Fuel Conference, Rotterdam, The Netherlands (21-22 May).
Thailand Visits
The new Ambassador of Thailand to the United Kingdom and Permanent Representative of Thailand to IMO, H.E. Mr Kittiphong na Ranong, today (22 May) paid an inaugural visit to IMO Headquarters, presenting his credentials to IMO Secretary-General Sekimizu. Thailand has been a Member of IMO since 1973.