Whats New 2017
Implementation matters
Once technical standards have been developed by IMO and adopted into national laws, the next step is implementation on board ships. This is the role of both flag States, who issue surveys and certificates, as well as port States, who can inspect all ships in their ports. The Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments, meeting for its fourth session (III 4, 25-29 September) provides a forum where all matters relating to implementation are discussed. The meeting was opened by Assistant Secretary-General Lawrence Barchue and is being chaired by Rear-Admiral Jean-Luc Le Liboux (France). Click for photos. more...
Training for port security officials in Mexico
Mexican port security officials, managers and designated authority officials have undergone maritime security training in Manzanillo, Mexico (19-22 September) run by IMO in collaboration with the Mexican Navy (SEMAR). The practical 4-day workshop equipped participants with the necessary knowledge and skills for planning, conducting and evaluating security drills and exercises, in order to review and improve implementation of IMO maritime security measures. more...
China workshop discusses oil pollution response
Current research and technical developments in oil spill preparedness and response were in the spotlight at a major seminar in Tianjin, China (20-21 September). The International Oil Spill Response Technical Seminar brought together over 150 representatives of national government, oil industry and oil spill response companies. more...
The impact of mine tailing
The impacts of wastes and other matter in the marine environment from mining operations is at the core of a working group from the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP) which is meeting at IMO Headquarters in London (20-22 September). This is the group's first formal meeting and it aims to provide independent advice on what environmental impacts could arise from the marine disposal of mine tailings around the world both from land based and marine minerals mining. more...
Enhancing maritime security in Peru
A national table-top exercise on maritime security in Lima, Peru
(18-19 September) has supported the country to implement the
United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 (2004), which imposes binding obligations
on all States to
adopt legislation to prevent
the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and their means
of delivery and establish appropriate
domestic controls over related materials to prevent their illicit trafficking. more...
IMO talks Polar matters in Russia
An IMO film showing how the IMO Polar Code supports safe and environmentally-friendly shipping in the Arctic and Antarctic waters is being screened at the NEVA 2017 International Maritime Exhibition and Conference (19-22 September), in St Petersburg, Russia. IMO's Assistant Secretary-General Lawrence Barchue delivered the opening address, updating the audience on regulatory standards affecting the safety of international shipping, fishing and offshore operations and the protection of the marine environment. Mr Barchue also spoke of the importance of sharing a common understanding on the issues that affect the maritime community today. more...
IMO chief praises “front line” officers
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim is in Russia this week (16-20 September) for a series of high-level meetings with ministers and officials. After talks in Moscow with the Minister and Deputy Minister of Transport and the Head of the Federal Marine and River Transport Agency, Mr Lim moved on to Vladivostok. There he visited the sail training ship "Nadezhda" (pictured) and the Admiral Nevelskoy Maritime State University before speaking at the opening of a meeting of the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control. more...
Keeping Asia abreast of IMO activities
IMO is attending the 34th session of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in in Bohol Island, Philippines (19-21 September) to update the Maritime Transport Working Group on its latest activities. IMO is looking forward to enhancing cooperation with ASEAN members, particularly in pursuing the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan which seeks to ensure a sustainable transport network, including low carbon modes of transport. more...