Archive 2020
Finland accedes to Cape Town Agreement on fishing vessel safety
Finland has become the latest State to become Party to the Cape Town Agreement on fishing vessel safety. The Agreement outlines regulations designed to protect the safety of crews and observers and provides a level playing field for the industry while setting standards for fishing vessels of 24 meters length and over. The treaty will enter into force 12 months after at least 22 States, with an aggregate 3,600 fishing vessels of 24 meters in length and over operating on the high seas have expressed their consent to be bound by it. With Finland’s accession, 14 countries have ratified the Agreement. more...
Enforcing IMO 2020 sulphur limit - verifying sulphur content of fuel on board
IMO 2020, the 0.50% limit of sulphur in ships' fuel oil, has been in effect since 1 January 2020, cutting sulphur oxide emissions from ships operating worldwide. From 1 March 2020, the carriage ban on non-compliant fuel oil (except for ships with exhaust gas cleaning systems installed) will enter into force, helping to support implementation of the global sulphur limit. To support the safe and consistent sampling of fuel oil being carried for use, and the enforcement of the carriage ban, IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR), meeting this week (17-21 February) at IMO headquarters, will finalize draft guidelines for the verification of the sulphur content of the fuel oil carried for use on board a ship. more...
Female port managers hone their skills
More women are joining the maritime ranks in a variety of professions within the industry. To encourage this trend and with a view to continuing the momentum to empower women in the maritime community, IMO is supporting a training course aimed at female officials from maritime and port authorities. Twenty-two women from 10 francophone countries in Africa*, took part in the two-week "Women in Port Management" course, hosted in Le Havre, France (27 January - 7 February). more...
Ship stability criteria - a crucial safety matter
For a ship to be considered seaworthy and safe, it must be designed to remain stable and afloat in all conditions. Mandatory criteria and recommended provisions regarding intact stability are set out in IMO's 2008 Intact Stability (IS) Code. Advanced computer technology is enabling "second generation" intact stability criteria to be developed, for a comprehensive safety assessment of ship dynamics in waves. IMO's Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 7), meeting 3-7 February, is expected to finalize a comprehensive set of interim guidelines on second generation intact stability criteria. more...
New website showcases GI WACAF oil spill preparedness and response project
Improving west, central and southern African countries’ ability to prepare and respond to oil spills is key to protecting the marine and shoreline environment in the region. This is where the GI WACAF* project comes in – a cooperation between IMO and IPIECA, the global oil and gas industry association for advancing environmental and social performance. Want to know how GI WACAF works with relevant national authorities in 22 African countries? Go to the brand-new website www.giwacaf.net to find out everything from latest news and progress map, to country profiles, conventions and publications. more...
IMO appoints Conference Division Director
IMO
Secretary-General Kitack Lim has appointed Ariane Gireud as Director of the
organization’s Conference Division, from 1 February 2020. The
division ensures the smooth running of IMO meetings, welcoming around 10,000
delegates per year and supporting the organization’s work promoting safe,
secure, clean and sustainable shipping. more...
IMO and WISTA to promote greater diversity in the maritime sector
The Women's International Shipping and Trading Association Limited (WISTA International) and IMO have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on promoting greater diversity and inclusion through enhanced cooperation activities in the maritime field. These activities will lay the groundwork for further discussion on how a diverse workforce will be essential for a sustainable future. more...
New video highlights benefits of working with IMO
A new IMO video which showcases IMO's new long-term strategy on mobilising resources for technical cooperation activities has been launched. The video which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlights the value and benefits of working with IMO and encourages active communication with potential donors and recipients. more...
IMO Secretary-General calls for renewed cooperation at Davos forum
At the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim is calling for renewed cooperation from all stakeholders to tackle the urgent issues of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. "When temperature records are routinely broken, icecaps are melting and some parts of the world are flooding while others are burning, there can be little doubt that addressing climate change must be humankind's major priority," he told fellow leaders. more...