Whats New 2018
IMO sulphur 2020 limit – no delay
The new lower 0.50% limit on sulphur in ships’ fuel oil will be in force from 1 January 2020, under IMO’s MARPOL treaty, with benefits for the environment and human health. This was the message delivered to the Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference (APPEC) (24-26 September) by IMO’s Edmund Hughes. The new limit will be applicable globally - while in designated emission control areas (ECAS) the limit will remain even lower, at 0.10%. more...
What is a National Maritime Transport Policy?
Maritime transport is a central part of the “Blue Economy”, which
has enormous potential to promote economic growth and improve peoples’ lives –
while addressing many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. But many countries are unprepared to take advantage of this
potential. What they lack – what they need – is a coherent and coordinated
National Maritime Transport Policy. A newly launched video (watch video) explains what
exactly a National Maritime Transport Policy is – and how it
can give a country the tools it needs to become an effective participant
in the maritime sector. more...
Audit summary report goes to Sub-Committee
The first consolidated audit summary report from mandatory audits conducted under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme will be considered by the Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 5, 24-28 September).The mandatory audit of all Member States commenced in 2016, with the aim of determining the extent to which they give full and complete effect to their obligations and responsibilities in a number of IMO treaty instruments. The meeting was opened by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim and is chaired by Rear-Admiral Jean-Luc Le Liboux (France). Click for photos. more...
IMO sadness over Nyerere casualty
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim has expressed his great sadness over the recent casualty of the Nyerere, a domestic ferry flying the flag of the United Republic of Tanzania and sailing on Lake Victoria. “On behalf of the IMO membership, the Secretariat and myself, I would like to send our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of the crew members and passengers who perished in the accident, as well as those who remain missing. I would also like to commend all those involved in the rescue operations,” Mr. Lim said. more...
National liability workshop for Indonesia
IMO’s comprehensive liability and compensation regime covers issues such as pollution incidents, wreck removal, carriage of passengers and luggage – providing vital protection in the event of a maritime incident. Countries need to ratify and implement rules and regulations in order for them to be effective. But how does a country go about implementing these obligations into national legislation? more...
Supporting African ports and hinterland connectivity
When a ship
comes into port it may be the end of a voyage, but just the beginning of a
range of administrative tasks that need to be completed. The port is unlikely
to be the final destination for the cargo – which will need to be unloaded and
forwarded in a variety of ways. This requires logistics and infrastructure that
connects the port to other inland places and regions – known as ‘hinterland
connectivity’. This was the
issue under the spotlight at the first regional conference of The International
Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH)
in Abuja, Nigeria (17-19 September), inaugurated by the President of Nigeria. more...
Learning about port management and efficiency
High-level officials and decision-makers from maritime and port authorities around the world are undergoing intense training in port management and operational efficiency at the annual Advanced Course on Port Operations and Management based in Le Havre, France (10 September to 12 October). The opening of the course coincided with Le Havre's celebration of World Maritime Day and its theme: IMO 70 Our heritage – better shipping for a better future. more...
Busy agenda for IMO chief in Georgia
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim travelled to Georgia this week for a series of events and high-level meetings with ministers and officials. First, he delivered a keynote address at the Georgia International Maritime Forum (GIMF) in Batumi, Georgia (13 September). Mr. Lim emphasized that communication and collaboration between the shipping, port and logistics sectors are crucial to enable the maritime industry to reach its full potential. more...
Open house at IMO for London visitors
Every year, more than 800 landmark buildings in London throw their doors open in a scheme called Open House London. The scheme enables the public to witness at first hand buildings of architectural, cultural or other significance that are normally off-limits. This year, for the first time, IMO is participating. The only UN agency headquartered in London, IMO's iconic building, on the south bank of the River Thames, will be open to the public on 22-23 September. more...