Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 12) - Closing remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE CLOSING OF THE TWELFTH SESSION OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON POLLUTION PREVENTION AND RESPONSE (PPR 12), 27 to 31 January 2025

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 31 January 2025

Distinguished delegates,

We are approaching the end of a productive session of the Sub-Committee On Pollution Prevention And Response.

I am pleased to highlight some of the most important results of your work this week. 

You have delivered several outcomes that advance the Organization's work in relation to protection of the marine environment and sustainable shipping and I would like to highlight the most important ones. 

  1. the draft Guidance on in-water cleaning of ships' biofouling; 
  2. the draft revision of the Action plan to address marine plastic litter from ships;
  3. the draft 2025 Guidelines on selective catalytic reduction systems; and
  4. draft Interim guidance on the carriage of blends of biofuels and MARPOL Annex I cargoes by conventional bunker ships. 

Special thanks are due to your Chair, Dr. Anita Mäkinen of Finland. Anita, after serving as Vice-Chair over several years, you have now taken the helm of the Sub-Committee in your first session as Chair. With your technical expertise and composed leadership you have expertly guided us through complex discussions, setting a promising course for the Sub Committee's future work.

My sincere appreciation also go to the Chairs of the Working and Drafting Groups convened during this session. They are:

  • Dr. Sarah Bailey of Canada;
  • Ms. Clea Henrichsen of Denmark 
  • Mr. Wayne Lundy of the United States;
  • Ms. Annalisse Skelton of Australia; and
  • Ms. Nimia Willems of Liberia.

Equally, recognition goes to the coordinators of the correspondence groups that reported to this session and to the ESPH Technical Group for progressing the important work under its purview efficiently and smoothly. 

As always, I am grateful for the efforts of the staff of the Marine Environment Division for their exceptional work in preparing for this meeting and supporting your Sub-Committee during this week, as well as that of all other staff of the Secretariat. All of them work tirelessly to provide the required professional support to meet your expectations. I also take this opportunity to express my thanks to the interpreters, who once again have facilitated our seamless communication during our meeting.

All that remains for me now is to once again thank you for your commitment, hard work and continued dedication to the work of the Organization. I wish you all an enjoyable and very well-deserved weekend and a safe journey home.

Thank you.

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