Archive 2020
Support to boost maritime security in Tunisia
Proper implementation of IMO's maritime security measures is essential for trade. Tunisia is the latest country to benefit from training on ISPS Code for port personnel with security duties. A national workshop in Sfax, Tunisia (30 November-4 December) brought together 26 port personnel and representatives of all entities involved in maritime and port security.
Supporting maritime technical cooperation during the pandemic
IMO’s technical cooperation activities are critical for implementation of IMO measures and for developing a sustainable maritime sector. The Technical Cooperation Committee oversees this important work and is meeting in virtual session this week (7-11 December). Acknowledging the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, IMO Secretary-General told the Committee that a well-organized shipping sector will be critical in ensuring Member States' post-COVID economic recovery.
Supporting maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea
IMO has taken part in the annual plenary meeting of G7 Group of Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (G7++ FoGG) which focuses on dealing with illegal activities at sea in the Gulf of Guinea. The online event (1-3 December) included discussions on how the Yaoundé Code of Conduct will function going forward. The Code's primary objective is to manage and considerably reduce the adverse impacts from piracy, armed robbery against ships and other illicit maritime activities. It was adopted in 2013.
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Sharing best practices for safer Arctic shipping
The importance of sharing experience and best practices of shipping in Polar waters was highlighted during the 4th Meeting of the Arctic Shipping Best Practice Information Forum (24-25 November), held virtually. Addressing the meeting, IMO’s Heike Deggim provided an overview of IMO regulations and guidance for shipping in Polar regions including the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code).
Workshops for cleaner air in the Mediterranean
Cleaner air in and around the Mediterranean Sea can be achieved by full and effective ratification and implementation of MARPOL Annex VI regulations to prevent air pollution from ships. This was the topic for national workshops held in Egypt (25 November) and Algeria (26 November).
Fair treatment of seafarers and the COVID-19 pandemic on Legal Committee's agenda
The IMO Legal Committee has begun its 107th session, meeting in virtual session (27 and 30 November and 1 December). Important items on its agenda include matters relating to the work of the Legal Committee and the COVID-19 pandemic and related agenda items on fair treatment of seafarers and the abandonment of seafarers.
Training future maritime policy makers
As part of IMO ongoing work to train future leaders of the maritime world, students from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Malta are being introduced to key issues in maritime transport policy making (23-26 November). IMO has been providing training to its interested Member States on developing, adopting and updating national maritime transport policies (NMTPs) since 2015.
Maintaining momentum for fishing vessel safety
IMO has held the first in a new series of regional webinars promoting the importance of ratifying and implementing the Cape Town Agreement on fishing vessel safety. The event, for the Latin America and Caribbean region (23-24 November), covered technical aspects, lessons learned from the ratification, identification of issues related to the ratification, and combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. It also included panel discussions and expert presentations.
IMO’s GloFouling project features in new oceans film
IMO’s Glofouling Partnerships Project, which aims to protect marine ecosystems from the negative effects of invasive aquatic species, is featured in a new film “Ocean Aware”, which premiered on 23 November. The documentary draws attention to the challenges facing the oceans.