International Maritime Organization News
At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles unveiled a Partnership Strategy for a green and digital shipping corridor across the Pacific Ocean. The scope of cooperation and success indicators specified in the strategy reaffirms the corridor partners’ commitment to drive global action to digitalise and decarbonise the shipping industry and improve efficiencies. Green and digital...
IMO and the Republic of Korea have signed a suite of agreements to formally establish and boost the IMO-Republic of Korea Sustainable Maritime Transport Cooperation (SMART-C) Programme. The goal of the KRW 25.5 billion (approx. US$20 million) SMART-C Programme is to promote sustainable maritime transport systems and a sustainable marine environment, by building knowledge and developing technical capacity in developing countries via long-term thematic projects. GHG project agreement This Offic...
Mr. Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco has been confirmed as the next Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO Assembly unanimously approved (30 November) the decision of the Council at its 129th session (C129) to appoint him to the role. Mr. Dominguez Velasco will take up the office of Secretary-General on 1 January 2024 for an initial term of four years, ending on 31 December 2027. He becomes the Organisation's 10th elected Secretary-General. Comprehensive b...
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Commission (EC) have announced a second phase of the Global Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres Network (GMN) project, to upscale the work of the five regional centres, with a particular emphasis on pilot demonstrations aimed at achieving quantifiable reductions in GHG emissions. IMO Secretary-General - Kitack Lim and representatives of the European Commission (EC) formalized the agreement at IMO Headquarters (on 29 November), d...
Global provider of marine solutions, P&O Maritime Logistics (a DP World Company), is unwavering in its commitment to shaping a low-carbon future. Driven by innovation, the Company’s journey towards carbon neutrality showcases the power of collaboration and shared responsibility in a robust decarbonisation pathway. Capturing the essence of this pivotal journey, Benjamin Neal’s, Head of HSSEQ, latest whitepaper titled ‘Developing P&O Maritime Logistics’ Decarbonisa...
Protecting seafarers and fishers’ rights and working conditions now – while preparing them for a digitalised and decarbonised future – were key themes explored during the first International Maritime Organization (IMO)/International Labour Organization (ILO) Conference on Work at Sea, which took place at IMO Headquarters in London on 13 November. “The professionals who work at sea, the seafarers, fishers and other maritime personnel, are the lifeblood of shipping and th...
The maritime industry continues to be shaped by extensive uncertainty, influenced by a changing regulatory framework and evolving boundary conditions of safety, fuel availability and scalability and ship-to-port infrastructure. That was the message for members at the annual ABS Advisory Council Meeting on November 14, which included presentations from the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). Range of emerging technolo...
Trade in Africa has become a popular talking point; with infrastructural, innovation, and technical challenges dogging the process, impacting economic growth, thwarting intra-country business, and slowing the development of regional economic corridors. It has become clear that a sustainable trade environment is needed to boost trade, which is currently low in comparison to international trade. African Continental Free Trade Area The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) came into force...
A seamless application of shipping’s first antifouling coating to successfully integrate highly durable graphene provides further evidence that Gibdock’s remains ahead of the curve as a ship repair and conversion yard geared up for a sustainable maritime future. The Gibraltar yard recently hosted the Vulica Shipping Company-owned bulk carrier - Donald M James for a 30-day project, which brought a first opportunity to work with a new type of coating from GIT Coatings (Graphite Innova...
Intellian Technologies, Inc., the global technology and solutions provider for satellite communications, and Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat business, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development of a next-generation GMDSS safety terminal, designed for operation over Inmarsat’s ELERA L-band network. New safety terminals The new safety terminals will become the standard Inmarsat Maritime product for the next-generation Fleet Safety service and will fulfill the requireme...
Alfa Laval OceanGlide has been selected by Kumiai Navigation (PTE) LTD to be installed on one of its LPG tankers as a retrofit. The company’s decision to leverage fluidic air lubrication technology is rooted in its ambition to reduce the vessel's energy consumption, improve its overall performance and comply with environmental regulations. Alfa Laval OceanGlide fluidic air lubrication system Alfa Laval has been selected for installation of its OceanGlide fluidic air lubrication system o...
When Royal IHC, a pioneering Dutch supplier of vessels, equipment, and services for the maritime industry, sought to decarbonise its range of Beaver® cutter suction dredger (CSD) ships, it turned to WEG. Royal IHC’s step toward a more sustainable future was to develop an all-new fleet of electrically powered Beaver CSD vessels. But to power them, it needed a high-performance electric motor that suited the Beaver’s technical specifications. Royal IHC chose WEG’s WGM20...
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Norwegian’), a renowned global cruise company, which operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has announced its partnership with Global Maritime Forum, a global non-profit organisation committed to shaping the future of global seaborne trade to increase sustainable long-term economic development and human well-being. The new partnership closely aligns with the Company&rsqu...
Republic of Nicaragua’s accession marks major step for 2012 Cape Town Agreement entry into force and improved fishing vessel safety. A crucial milestone has been reached on the path towards global regulation of safety standards for large industrial fishing vessels across the world, and those working onboard. Nicaragua is the 22nd State to become a party to the Agreement, thus fulfilling one of the two required criteria for the entry into force of the 2012 Cape Town Agreement (CTA). Fish...
ABB will deliver a comprehensive power, propulsion, and automation system for two new-built short-sea container ships of the global logistics company Samskip Group headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The vessels will be among the world’s first to use hydrogen as a fuel. Financial details were not disclosed. The order was booked in the second quarter of 2023. 135-metre ships Built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, the largest shipbuilding and maintenance facility in India, the 135-metre ships...
The Port of Long Beach welcomed the latest green container vessel to Pasha Hawaii’s fleet, the MV Janet Marie. The Janet Marie, the company’s second of two ‘Ohana Class’ container ships powered by liquefied natural gas, made its maiden voyage early Saturday from Long Beach to its home port in Honolulu. Its companion, Pasha Hawaii’s MV George III, was the first LNG container ship to refuel on the West Coast during its initial call to the Port of Long Beach in August...
‘Navigating the future: safety first!’ has been selected for the International Maritime Organization's 2024 World Maritime Theme, which will culminate in the celebration of World Maritime Day on 26 September 2024. The theme reflects IMO's work to enhance maritime safety and security, in tandem with the protection of the marine environment, whilst ensuring its regulatory development process safely anticipates the fast pace of technological change and innovation. Reducing GHG emissio...
International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopts revised strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping. Member States of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), meeting at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80), have adopted the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, with enhanced targets to tackle harmful emissions. Revised IMO GHG Strategy The revised IMO GHG Strategy includes an enhanced common ambition to reach net...
The signatories of the joint statement – Aspen Shipping Decarbonization Initiative, DHL Global Forwarding, Hapag Lloyd, Kuehne + Nagel, NORDEN, Oldendorff Carriers, ONE, Torvald Klaveness, and Yara Clean Ammonia represent key parts of the value chain for decarbonised shipping. The companies belong to the Getting to Zero coalition, which has been exploring book and claim chain of custody approaches as part of its mission to fully decarbonise the shipping indus...
The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (the Hong Kong Convention) is set to enter into force within 24 months, after Bangladesh and Liberia became Contracting States to the Convention. The Hong Kong Convention is aimed at ensuring that ships, when being recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, do not pose any unnecessary risks to human health, safety and to the environment. Combined merchant shipping The Hong Kong Co...
Over four decades, the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden, has developed into a world centre of excellence in postgraduate maritime and ocean education, research, and professional training. The University, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), counts more than 5,800 alumni from 170 countries and territories. Many hold senior positions in maritime administrations around the world, testament to the University's mission to build an extensive network of we...
The urgent need to protect the world’s oceans and the habitats within them is, nowadays, well understood. So, too, is the need for a sustainable shipping industry to ensure the essential transportation of goods and commodities across the globe, and of passengers. Hundreds of thousands of seafarers bear witness every day to changes in the marine environment due to human activity – including from shipping. Seafarers’ contribution in marine environment security Seafarers’...
Nor-Shipping 2023 proved to be one of those 'you had to be there' moments. From the second the bell rang at Oslo Stock Exchange on Monday morning, announcing the beginning of 2023's packed programme, through to the final delegates leaving the Lillestrøm exhibition centre on Friday afternoon, Nor-Shipping 2023 delivered on every expectation. A record turnout at the exhibition, big names at the conferences, and a social scene that basked in unbroken sunshine created, in the words...
Anemoi Marine Technologies, a UK-based developer of Rotor Sails for the global shipping industry, is enhancing its efforts to provide its award-winning Rotor Sail technology for ship owners, managers, and charterers to install onboard vessels as they look to decarbonise their operations. The company will be showcasing these solutions at Nor-Shipping 2023, a prominent international maritime event held from 6 June - 9 June, 2023 at NOVA Spektrum, Lillestrøm, Norway. Attendees are invi...
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has agreed to undertake technical studies on an ammonia fuel supply system for large, low-speed two-stroke marine engines under development by Winterthur Gas & Diesel AG (WinGD), a Swiss designer of large marine engines. The signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was held at WinGD Headquarters in Switzerland on June 2. Maritime system integrator WinGD is currently developing ammonia-f...
The official opening of Nor-Shipping 2023 took place with a high-profile event at Oslo City Hall, a special bell-ringing ceremony at the Oslo stock exchange, a UN Global Compact high-level meeting, and a range of other partner and networking activities. Nor-Shipping’s main exhibition, gathering almost 1000 international exhibitors and tens of thousands of delegates, kicks off in Lillestrøm on June 6, 2023, with organisers believing this will be 'the biggest and best Nor-Shipping we...
Hempel has announced joining the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Global Industry Alliance (GIA) for Marine Biosafety to work with industry to support shipping’s emissions reduction pathway and to mitigate against the spread of invasive species. World-renowned coatings company, Hempel A/S, has increased its commitment to supporting the maritime industry’s shift to ever more sustainable operations by joining the Global Industry Alliance (GIA) for Marine Biosafety. H...
International Maritime Organization (IMO) has welcomed the landmark agreement on a new oceans treaty to protect marine biodiversity on the high seas. IMO Secretary-General - Kitack Lim says landmark treaty will reinforce efforts to protect biodiversity The new legally binding international instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction – known as 'BBNJ' was agreed on 4 March, 2023, following conclusion of the f...
Following a competitive selection process, Professor Max Mejia has been selected by the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Chancellor of the university, to succeed Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry as the new President of the World Maritime University (WMU), based in Malmö, Sweden. It is expected that Professor Mejia will take over the president's role on 29 June 2023, when Dr. Doumbia-Henry's term expires. World Maritime University (WMU) The World Maritime Univers...
The Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has provided technical support to Instituto Marito e Portuaruo IMAP in São Tomé and Príncipe. The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, while making the presentation at an event in São Tomé, with the Nigerian Ambassador to São Tomé, Ambassador - Gambo Hamza in attendance, noted that the Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to regional maritime deve...