Whats New 2017
Focus on sustainable use of the oceans
Preparations
are underway in New York ahead of June’s UN
Oceans Conference, which is focused on achieving UN Sustainable Development
Goal 14: ‘Life Below
Water’. An estimated 40% of the world’s oceans are being badly affected by
unsustainable practices. Goal 14 aims to conserve and sustainably use the
oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. IMO supports
this objective by setting global standards designed to ensure shipping does not
adversely impact the environment, as well as providing technical assistance
needed by countries to implement those standards. more...
All aboard for inspection practice
An
IMO training in Malaysia has seen port State control officers practice inspecting air pollution and
energy efficiency rules aboard a container ship in Johor Port. The participants from across Malaysia
have been taking part in the three-day
workshop (13-15 February) focusing on how to effectively enforce IMO’s MARPOL Annex VI regulations. The
interactive workshop included class-based lectures and exercises, as well as practical
training on board, in
which relevant certificates and
documentation, fuel tank arrangement and bunker fuel samples were
inspected (photos). more...
IMO Secretary-General visits Antarctica
IMO
Secretary-General Kitack Lim experienced polar conditions at first hand during
a recent visit to Antarctica
(8-12 February). Shipping in
waters surrounding the two poles has increased in recent years. IMO’s Polar Code entered into force on 1 January 2017, bringing in additional safety and
environmental provisions for ships operating in these harsh, remote and unique
conditions. Secretary-General
Lim was hosted by the Chilean Navy during his journey to King George Island in
Antarctica. more...
Preventive strategies for maritime security
The importance of well-coordinated, risk-based preventive strategies to counter maritime security threats was highlighted by IMO’s Chris Trelawny, Special Adviser on Maritime Security and Facilitation, during a debate at the United Nations Security Council (13 February). The UN body adopted a resolution urging international collaboration to protect critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks. more...
Ship design and construction matters
The Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) meets for its fourth session this week (13-17 February). Key topics on the agenda include the expected finalization of draft explanatory notes to the SOLAS chapter II-1 subdivision and damage stability regulations and the completion of draft interim guidelines for use of fibre reinforced plastic elements within ship structures. The SDC Sub-Committee was opened by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, and is being chaired by Kevin Hunter (United Kingdom). Click for photos. more...
Future maritime leaders practise policy planning
Maritime law students in Malta have been
introduced to key issues in maritime transport policy making in a seminar at
the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Malta (7-9 February).
The event focused on the National Maritime Transport Policy (NMTP) concept,
which is being promoted by IMO as a good governance practice to guide planning,
decision making and legislation in the maritime sector. more...
Togo accedes to treaties covering unlawful acts at sea and anti-fouling
Togo has acceded to two IMO treaties
dealing with unlawful acts against the safety of maritime navigation,
and the control of harmful anti-fouling systems on ships. The SUA Protocol covers acts including the seizure of ships by force, acts of violence against persons on board ships, and the placing of devices on board a ship which are likely to destroy or damage it. Parties signed up the AFS Convention are required to prohibit and/or restrict the use of harmful anti-fouling systems on ships flying their flag. more...
A closer look at the London Protocol
An introductory workshop on the core functions and purpose
of the London Protocol was presented to some 30 participants in Maputo,
Mozambique (1-2 February) this week. The workshop provided relevant examples
and experiences on the implementation of the Protocol which regulates the
dumping of wastes at sea.
The participants also received information on various
legal and technical aspects, including lessons on waste assessment guidance,
the permitting and reporting procedures, as well as possible steps to
ratification. more...
Workshop promotes maritime security cooperation in Kenya
Kenyan officials involved in maritime law
enforcement are taking part in a workshop and scenario-based simulation
exercise in Mombassa, Kenya (31 January – 3 February). The IMO-led event will
enhance inter-agency cooperation in the country and promote a whole of Government
approach in dealing with maritime security challenges. The workshop, organized
with the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), brings together key stakeholders in
Kenya to discuss practical, concrete steps to ensure effective coordination in
combating maritime crimes – through information sharing, unified command, and
enhanced maritime domain awareness. more...