Archive 2021
Diversity and oil spill preparedness and response
The benefits of diversity were top of the agenda during the recent International Oil Spill Conference (IOSC) 2021, held remotely from 10 to 14 May 2021. Under the theme: Prevent, Prepare, Respond, Restore, IOSC 2021 was attended by thousands of professionals from the international spill response community, private sector, government, and non-governmental organizations, who came together to discuss challenges and share oil spill preparedness and response expertise and ideas from around the world.
South-East Asian seas project extended
The Marine Environment Protection of the South-East Asian Seas (MEPSEAS) project has been extended, by one year, to 2022. Run by IMO and funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), the MEPSEAS project assists participating developing countries to address high-priority marine environment issues related to ships and shipping, in particular through implementing IMO's key international environmental conventions. Norad announced its decision to extend its assistance at the project's virtual Extra Ordinary High Level Regional Meeting (17 March).
Energy efficient ship operation - free online course launched
Free-to-access energy efficient ship operation E-Learning course launched for seafarers and others
Autonomous shipping, Covid-19 impact, security and fuel safety in spotlight
The foundations for the future development of a regulatory framework for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) will be laid at the 103rd session of IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), held in remote session from 5 to14 May 2021.
Promoting National Maritime Transport Policies
IMO is continuing to introduce countries to the concept of National Maritime Transport Policies (NMTPs). Officials from 10 countries, including Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) took part in the 4th Advanced Maritime Leaders' Programme (20 April).
Informal discussions focus on lifecycle GHG/carbon intensity of cleaner fuels for shipping
IMO has facilitated virtual informal discussion sessions (14-15 April) on lifecycle GHG/carbon intensity for potential future fuels for shipping. Shipping will need new fuels to achieve the levels of ambition of the IMO's Initial GHG Strategy.
Draft amendments to modernize GMDSS set to be agreed
Important work to update the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is continuing in the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR), which is meeting for its 8th session (19-23 April).
Developing countries explore maritime alternative fuel opportunities
A new workshop package on 'Alternative fuels and energy carriers for maritime shipping' has been launched this week (13-16 April). Georgia, India and South Africa are the first countries to benefit from the package, delivered online and organized under the IMO-Norway GreenVoyage2050 project, with China set to take part in the second workshop at the end of April.
IMO regional webinar targets increased safety for fishing industry
A two-day Regional Workshop for stakeholders from the Middle East, North Africa and Mediterranean States provided a platform to discuss progress towards ratification of the 2012 Cape Town Agreement.