Archive 2023
Sharing expertise on oil spill response
IMO played a key role in spreading expertise on preparedness and response to marine pollution incidents in the Asia-Pacific region at SPILLCON 2023, held in Brisbane, Australia (11-15 September). Hundreds of professionals from the international spill response community, private sector, government, and non-governmental organizations came together to discuss challenges, innovation and share spill preparedness and response expertise from around the world.
Strengthening maritime security in the Federal Republic of Somalia
Participants representing relevant ministries and agencies from the Federal Republic of Somalia attended a three-day workshop in Mogadishu (10-12 September) to discuss the importance of multi-agency collaboration, active participation, and engagement of all stakeholders for the effective application of maritime security measures. The event is part of efforts to safeguard the Red Sea area from strategic threats such as maritime terrorism, illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, the trafficking of drugs, weapons and people, and the illegal wildlife trade.
New e-learning course launched on maritime single window implementation
What is the “maritime single window” and how is it implemented? A new free-to-access e-learning course has been launched on IMO’s e-learning platform to explain. The "Introductory e-learning course on implementation of the maritime single window (self-paced e-learning)" elaborates on key aspects of the planning, implementation and operation of an MSW and provides an overview of available resources as well as case studies.
Assisting Yemen establish effective maritime security
Two IMO activities to support Yemen in developing effective maritime security have taken place in Aden as part of the Regional Programme for Maritime Security in the Red Sea Area. To assist Yemen’s authorities in performing their security responsibilities in accordance with the SOLAS Convention, the ISPS Code, and related guidance, a national workshop on the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code for Port Personnel with Security Duties was held 4-7 September. Following the workshop, IMO assisted the Yemeni authorities in conducting a Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA) of facilities within the port of Aden (9-13 September).
IMO’s maritime security programme boosted by United Kingdom funding
IMO’s work to improve security standards at international ports has been given a lift courtesy of a £700,000 funding contribution from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The funding will be targeted at port security activities across North and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle-East and the Asia-Pacific region to enhance the implementation of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code which provides the framework for a global security regime for international shipping and ports.
IMO welcomes adoption of UN convention on the judicial sale of ships
IMO has welcomed the signing of the UN Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships which took place at a ceremony in Beijing, the People's Republic of China, on 5 September. It is designed to address the problem of bona fide new owners and those financing the purchase of vessels who, for instance, find themselves dealing with previous creditors laying claim to the ship as security for a loan.
Promoting the Whole of Government Approach to Maritime Security in Cameroon
A workshop to assist the Cameroon Government improve its national maritime security decision-making, policy development and implementation is taking place in Edea, Cameroon (4-8 September). The aim of the workshop is to develop and/or enhance the country’s national maritime security committee, risk register and security strategy.
New video highlights importance of global ship recycling Convention
IMO has launched a video outlining the need for universal regulations on ship recycling in the form of the Hong Kong Convention, due to enter force on 26 June 2025. The film also explains how IMO is supporting Member States to improve environmental and safety standards in their ship recycling industries in line with the requirements of the Convention.
IMO Headquarters to welcome visitors as part of Open House Festival
IMO will be welcoming visitors to its Headquarters on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September as part of London’s annual Open House Festival. This is the third time IMO has taken part in the initiative, which allows people access inside buildings around the city of architectural or cultural significance which are generally off-limits to the public.