Archive 2021
New series of webinars on oil spill preparedness and response
Global efforts to prevent oil spills continue despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The first webinar of a new series on oil spill preparedness and response delivered by the GI WACAF Project is taking place on 14 April.
MV Ever Given incident in Suez Canal
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim has issued a statement about the incident involving the MV Ever Given, which ran aground in the Suez Canal on 23 March 2021.
Ship-Port Interface Guide released to support GHG emissions reduction
A new 
Ship-Port Interface Guide.pdf focusing on eight practical measures which can support GHG emission reduction at the ship-port interface has been released. Developed by the Global Industry Alliance to Support Low Carbon Shipping (Low Carbon GIA) under the IMO-Norway GreenVoyage2050 Project, the Guide aims to support the maritime industry in achieving IMO’s emission reduction goals and contribute to greener shipping.
Supporting sustainable maritime development in the Pacific
IMO has continued its work to support Pacific Island countries with a virtual workshop (23-24 March) on the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). Maritime activity is considered an essential component of any programme for future sustainable economic growth, and most of the elements of the 2030 Agenda will only be realized with a sustainable transport sector supporting world trade and facilitating the global economy.
Fourth IMO greenhouse gas emissions study – highlights published
The Fourth IMO GHG Study Executive Summary has been published. This study is the first iteration since the adoption of the Initial IMO Strategy on Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships in 2018.
Working for a sustainable ocean – pollution prevention Sub-Committee meets
IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR), meets this week (22-26 March) in remote session. The Sub-Committee will carry on with agenda items aimed at minimizing the impact of shipping on the fragile Arctic environment. It is expected to consider draft guidelines on mitigation measures to reduce risks of use and carriage of heavy fuel oil as fuel by ships in Arctic waters, which have been developed by a correspondence group.
Council candidatures for 2022-2023 biennium
The list of States that have announced their candidatures for election to the IMO Council has been published on the IMO website. The list will be regularly updated. The election of Members of the Council will be held during the IMO Assembly 32nd session taking place 6-15 December 2021.
Regional webinar addresses seafarers’ challenges in Latin America
IMO has held the latest in a series of regional webinars to address the challenges faced by seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual event (held on 18 March) for the Latin American region identified best practices, covering issues including medical guidance, disembarkation of seafarers for medical care, vaccination, digitalization, mental health, and effects of COVID-19 on crew changes and repatriation.
Solutions to cut shipping emissions at virtual conference and exhibition
Exploring tangible solutions in climate change mitigation in the shipping industry by use of technology was at the core of a virtual energy efficiency conference and exhibition (Confex) which opened on 17 March.