Whats New 2017
Addressing invasive species
The spread of invasive species is recognized as one of the greatest threats to the ecological and the economic well-being of the planet. Ships have been identified as a vector for invasive aquatic species, in the ballast water of ships; or through biofouling. The Inter-agency Liaison Group on Invasive Alien Species held its 8th session in Brussels, Belgium (22-23 November). more....
Financial support for the Polar Code and the Sustainable Development Goals
IMO's work to protect the polar environment and the safety of seafarers and passengers navigating in polar regions has received a boost thanks to a donation by the Government of Canada. IMO Secretary-General and Canada's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Ms. Janice Charette, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at IMO Headquarters (23 November). The MoU aims to deliver training programmes for seafarers on board ships operating in polar waters, in line with The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, better known as the Polar Code. more...
Iceland accedes to air pollution treaty
The IMO treaty covering the prevention of air pollution from
ships has been ratified by Iceland, bringing the total number of contracting
States to 89, and representing more than 96% of world merchant shipping tonnage. The MARPOL
Annex VI treaty limits the main air pollutants contained in ships exhaust
gas, including sulphur oxides and nitrous oxides, and prohibits deliberate
emissions of ozone depleting substances. It also includes energy-efficiency
measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships. more...
US$1 million boost for IMO technical cooperation activities
IMO’s technical cooperation activities have received a boost of US$1.0 million. The funds, donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will be allocated to a range of activities, including training and supporting women in the maritime sector; as well as combating piracy and other illicit activities that threaten the safety of navigation. more...
Modern simulator to enhance delivery of regional training
The Djibouti Regional Training Centre (DRTC) has been equipped with a modern computer-based training simulator as part of IMO's efforts to promote maritime safety and security in the West Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. Equipment installation, funded through a contribution to the Djibouti Code of Conduct Trust Fund by the Kingdom of Denmark, has been completed and the first cohort of six Djibouti officers have been trained to operate it. more...
Environmental update
A review of the latest environmental protection measures from IMO has been provided to the Green Ship Technology North America Conference (15-16 November), New York, United States. IMO’s Theofanis Karayannis outlined the key decisions from the latest session of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 71). more...
Why cover liability for transport of hazardous and noxious substances by ship?
Transporting hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) by sea
is a vital trade. Chemicals, LPG, LNG and
other products are important to many manufacturing and
energy processes and IMO regulations ensure their safe transport.
However, when incidents do happen, IMO’s HNS Convention helps to ensure that
those who have suffered damage have access to a comprehensive and international
liability and compensation regime. more...
Cooperation key among maritime universities
Cooperation between academic institutions is key in ensuring the next generation of maritime professionals is well prepared. In this spirit, IMO's Juvenal Shiundu delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the International seminar on mutual cooperation between International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Maritime University (WMU) and Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KMOU) in Busan, Republic of Korea (11 November). In front of a full audience, Mr. Shiundu reiterated the crucial role played by IMO's technical cooperation work in enhancing the capacities of many developing countries and producing maritime leaders through the many global training institutions. more...
Supporting port security in Ghana
IMO’s
continuing work to assist ports with the highest numbers of stowaway incidents
through enhancing port security is underway at a workshop in Tema, Ghana (13-17
November). more...