The International Maritime Prize for 2017 is to be awarded to Mrs. Birgit Sølling Olsen, former Deputy Director-General of the Danish Maritime Authority, for her contribution to the work and objectives of IMO and to the international maritime community, IMO informed.
The International Maritime Prize is awarded annually by IMO to the individual or organization judged to have made the most significant contribution to the work and objectives of the Organization. It consists of a sculpture in the form of a dolphin and includes a financial award, upon submission of an academic paper written on a subject relevant to IMO.
Meeting for its 120th session in London on 2-5 July, the IMO Council voted to award the Prize to Mrs. Sølling Olsen, after she was nominated by Denmark, as well as the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Associations (P&I Clubs).
Denmark emphasized Mrs. Sølling Olsen’s focus on international solutions as a member of the Danish delegation during deliberations at IMO, in particular during negotiations related to the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Funds; the development of international guidelines to combat piracy; and the development and adoption of the Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention, 2007.
Mrs. Sølling Olsen also worked on seafarer issues, both at IMO and at the International Labour Organization, including seafarer training and education, working conditions and personal safety.
A law graduate with a Masters in Law from the University of Copenhagen, Mrs. Sølling Olsen became Director for Shipping Policy at the Danish Maritime Authority in 1996 and from 2003 until her retirement in 2017, she held the post of Deputy Director-General of the Danish Maritime Authority.
The Prize will be presented to Mrs. Sølling Olsen during the annual IMO Awards ceremony on 6 December 2018, during the 100th session of IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC).
