Archive 2023
Supporting the Caribbean to prevent pollution
The challenges for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Wider Caribbean Region in meeting their obligations for adequate port reception facilities (PRFs) under The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) was the focus of a Regional workshop on MARPOL Annexes III-V, including PRFs held in Jamaica (7-9 February).
New portal launched to support implementation of Just in Time arrival concept
A new “one-stop-shop” portal which aims to support the implementation of the Just in Time (JIT) arrivals concept has been launched.The free-to-access portal was developed by the Global Industry Alliance to Support Low Carbon Shipping (Low Carbon GIA) and is hosted on the IMO-Norway GreenVoyage2050 project website.
Call for views on Global Integrated Shipping Information System
The IMO Secretariat is asking users of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) to complete a questionnaire to understand their views on the operation, effectiveness and efficiency of the system. Findings from the survey will play a pivotal role in formulating proposals for the improvement and further utilization of the system.
SWiFT Project: Angola port moves ahead with maritime single window
As part of its drive to accelerate digitalization to strengthen facilitation of international maritime traffic, IMO fielded a mission to Port of Lobito in Angola to assess progress made in the implementation of the IMO-Singapore "Single Window for Facilitation of Trade (SWiFT) Project".
Maintaining maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean
Shipping needs to continue to maintain a high level of awareness in the Western Indian Ocean and follow Best Management Practices (BMP) to deter piracy, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim and EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA Commander (OpCdr), Vice Admiral Núñez Torrente agreed following a consultation meeting at IMO headquarters (2 February).
Addressing underwater noise from ships - draft revised guidelines agreed
Draft revised Guidelines for the reduction of underwater noise from commercial shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life have been agreed by the IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 9). The draft guidelines recognize that commercial shipping is one of the main contributors to underwater radiated noise (URN).
Supporting opportunities for green shipping in South Africa
Biofuels from farmed algae, hydrogen-based fuel production and making harbour vessels greener through low carbon fuels are among proposals being considered for support through IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 Accelerator programme. The programme aims to accelerate deployment of low and zero carbon solutions on-board ships / in ports by supporting the development and implementation of pilot projects.
Canada accepts amendments to expand IMO Council
Canada has become the latest country to accept amendments to the Convention on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which will expand the size of the Council, extend the term of its Members, and recognize three additional language texts as authentic versions of the Convention.
Supporting Yemen to develop a legal framework to enhance maritime security
A five-day workshop (8-12 January) in Aden aims to sensitize national stakeholders on the content of IMO circular MSC.1/Circ.1525 on Guidance for the development of national maritime security legislation, in order to develop national legislation giving full and complete effect to the relevant maritime security measures (SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code); as well as on the objectives of the Red Sea Project.