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Maritime technology centre project extended
A key project to support the reduction of GHG emissions from shipping in developing countries through regional maritime technology cooperation centres has been extended to June 2021. The Global MTCC Network (GMN) Project is implemented by IMO and funded by the European Union.
Public-private alliance to combat biofouling expands
Tas Global Co., Ltd and DHI Water and Environment are the latest entities to join the Global Industry Alliance (GIA) for Marine Biosafety, an initiative launched in June 2020 by the IMO GloFouling Partnerships project. The initiative works to promote collaboration with the private sector to address two of the most pressing environmental issues of our time: invasive species and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Collaborating to reduce GHG emissions from ports and ships
A new strategic partnership to strengthen cooperation between ships and ports to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has been signed by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and the GreenVoyage2050 Project, which is executed by IMO. The partnership will result in collaboration to jointly deliver technical cooperation and capacity-building activities. more...
New animation launched highlighting digitalization
A new IMO video animation has been launched, to show how electronic data exchange is vital to ensure supply chains continue to function safely and effectively, with contactless clearance of ships in and out of ports. (Watch the video here.) The video was launched during a webinar (8 October) on “Future of Shipping: Digitalization”, co-organised by IMO and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. Opening the webinar, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim emphasised the need for increased digitalization. more...
Maritime security responsibilities – training in Vanuatu
Under IMO's maritime security regulations (SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code), maritime security responsibilities fall to a specified organization nominated by the national Government – known as the "designated authority" or DA. The roles and responsibilities of the DA were the topic for a tailor-made workshop delivered virtually to Vanuatu (28-29 September). more...
IMO’s global action to protect marine biodiversity
IMO plays a critical role in global efforts to protect biodiversity in and around the world's oceans. A video launched during the United Nations Summit on Biodiversity (30 September) highlights the significant contribution of the Organisation to protecting marine biodiversity and ecosystems. (view the video here). more...
New guidance to facilitate repatriation flights for seafarers
Passenger and repatriation flights are essential to allow stranded seafarers to go home, and for their relief crews to be able to join ships. New guidance issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to facilitate those flights marks a further step to alleviate the ongoing crew change crisis. The guidance outlines specific recommendations for seafarer changeover flights, including the need for advanced bilateral communication, coordination and planning between shipowners, aviation stakeholders and the relevant authorities. Read more...
New impetus for digitalization of shipping in the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of electronic data exchange and the vital need for digitalization and automation, to ensure supply chains continue to function safely and effectively with contactless clearance of ships in and out of ports. Standardization and harmonization of procedures for stay and departure of ships are made mandatory under IMO's Facilitation (FAL) Convention, which comes under the purview of the Facilitation Committee, meeting this week in remote session (28 September-2 October). more...
Addressing ballast water management and invasive species in the Mediterranean
A webinar on IMO's Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention and its application in the Mediterranean region, amid the global pandemic, has helped to raise awareness, enhance knowledge and share best practices on implementing the Convention. According to a recent REMPEC* Study, vessel-introduced non-indigenous species have been estimated to account for 26% of all species introduced in the Mediterranean. In the last ten years, the number of species in the Mediterranean Sea has continued to increase, posing a significant threat to humans in terms of health and recreational activities as well as environments and indigenous species in the region. more...