Whats New 2016
Sustainable Development goals for the oceans
The role of the marine industry in supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals was addressed at the 2016 World Ocean Council Sustainable Ocean Summit in Rotterdam, Netherlands (30 November-2 December). IMO’s Theofanis Karayannis gave an insight into how the Organization supports ocean sustainability, including work to mitigate climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions form ships and IMO’s work to address biofouling and the transport of potentially invasive aquatic species. more...
Enhancing maritime security in the Dominican Republic
Maritime surveillance on agenda in Mozambique
A project to provide a single display maritime surveillance system for Mozambique has been commissioned and handed over to the country’s Government in Maputo (1 December). The IMO-supported project is set to boost maritime situational awareness for all concerned agencies in Mozambique and enhance operational decision making and increase cooperation in dealing with maritime security issues. more...
Training workshop to boost Tunisia’s maritime security legislation
IMO is assisting Tunisia with the development of its
maritime security legislation with a training workshop, taking place in the
country’s capital of Tunis (30 November – 1 December). Participating in the event are Tunisian Government
officials, particularly legal experts responsible for implementing security
measures set out in the IMO instruments SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code. more...
Jordan workshop focuses on dumping of wastes at sea
Regulations covering the dumping of wastes at sea are the focus of a national workshop in Aqaba, Jordan (28-30 November). The event is raising awareness of the London Protocol, which entered into force ten years ago and modernized the original London Convention dumping treaty (ratified by Jordan). Under the Protocol, all dumping at sea is prohibited - with the exception of wastes commonly agreed by Governments and then put on an approved list. more...
Belarus joins IMO
The Republic of Belarus has become the latest Member of IMO, following the deposit of an instrument of acceptance of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization with the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 29 November 2016. With the acceptance of the Convention by Belarus, the number of IMO Member States stands at 172, with a further three Associate Members.
Importance of simulation
A visit to a newly established maritime training facility in Almere, the Netherlands (28 November), has seen IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim experience first-hand some of the latest technology and training methods used to equip seafarers with the skills needed for a career at sea. Simulator training forms a key part of mandatory training under IMO’s STCW Convention, which establishes international standards for training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers. more...
Innovation for sustainable transport
A UN conference has highlighted the importance of technology and innovation in ensuring sustainable transport for all. IMO was present at the UN’s first ever Global Sustainable Transport Conference, held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan (26-27 November). Concluding the two-day conference with the so-called ‘Ashgabat Statement’, participants stressed the need to promote the integration of science, technology and innovation into sustainable transport systems by tapping into technological opportunities in the decades to come, in order to bring about fundamental, transformative changes to transport systems. more...