Archive 2023
ILO and IMO chiefs pledge continued support for seafarers
IMO Secretary-General Mr. Kitack Lim welcomed International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General, Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, to IMO Headquarters (22 May) to discuss matters impacting seafarers and intensify the already close cooperation between the two UN agencies.
New Zealand joins fishing vessel safety treaty
New Zealand has become the 21st country to accede to the 2012 Cape Town Agreement (CTA) which, when it enters into force, will bring in mandatory safety requirements for fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over. The CTA will enter into force 12 months after at least 22 States, with an aggregate 3,600 fishing vessels meeting the length requirements operating on the high seas, have expressed their consent to be bound by it.
Promoting development of Belize’s National Maritime Transport Policy
The importance of having in place a National Maritime Transport Policy (NMTP) was highlighted at a workshop (23-25 May) for 30 strategy officials from Belize representing various government Ministries and related agencies, along with other stakeholders in the maritime sector. The aim of the event, held in Belize City, was to advance understanding of key issues in maritime transport policy.
Comparative analysis of candidate mid-term GHG measures
An Expert Workshop on a "comparative analysis of candidate mid-term GHG reduction measures" to further support IMO’s considerations of candidate measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions took place at IMO Headquarters in London on 25 and 26 May. It included the feasibility, effectiveness to deliver the long-term levels of ambition of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy and the potential impacts on Member States.
Strengthening oil spill preparedness plans in Mauritius
The impacts of oil pollution and its effect on the marine environment, and the importance of having in place an effective national framework for responding to oil spills were the focus of a national workshop held in Port Louis, Mauritius (22-24 May). The workshop was part of IMO’s work to support parties to the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC) with their National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP).
Opportunities in maritime decarbonization in Asia and Pacific
How the decarbonization of maritime transport in Asia and the Pacific can unlock opportunities and investments across the maritime value chain was at the heart of a Green Shipping conference in Manila, Philippines (16-17 May). Under the theme "Seizing opportunities for Green Shipping in Asia and the Pacific", the conference provided a forum for over 100 key maritime stakeholders from 20 Pacific Islands and Southeast Asian States (including ASEAN Member States) to discuss the decarbonization of international shipping.
Women in Maritime conference highlights gender equality initiatives
The importance of collaboration and networking in achieving gender equality in the maritime sector was centre stage at the Global Conference of the IMO Women in Maritime Associations (18-19 May) at IMO Headquarters in London. The event, held to coincide with International Day for Women in Maritime, explored this year's theme, “Mobilizing networks for gender equality”.
Developing port security expertise in Malaysia
An Advanced Drills and Exercises Workshop in Port Klang, Malaysia (15-19 May) has been held under IMO’s Global Maritime Security Programme, to equip the Malaysia Marine Department, port security officials and managers with the relevant knowledge and skills to plan, conduct and assess security drills and exercises.
Preparing for oil spill response in Brunei Darussalam
IMO and IPIECA, the global oil and gas industry association for environmental and social issues, continue to improve oil spill response and preparedness planning through their joint Global Initiative (GI) project, by supporting a workshop on national oil spill contingency planning in Brunei Darussalam (16-18 May).