During the 100th session of IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Mrs. Birgit Sølling Olsen, former Deputy Director-General of the Danish Maritime Authority was presented with the prestigious International Maritime Prize for 2017.
Mrs. Olsen has had a distinguished career in the maritime field and made an outstanding contribution to the objectives of IMO. Her comprehensive knowledge of maritime law is combined with a deep understanding of the business aspects and growth potential of the maritime industry.
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim stated and presented the prize on Thursday, December 6, at the annual IMO Awards ceremony.
In July, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council voted to award the Prize to Mrs. Sølling Olsen, after she was nominated by Denmark, as well as by the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Associations (P&I Clubs).
In 1996 a delegate could only be reached by fax or by a message left at the IMO switch board. Today delegates are multitasking responding to a number of e-mails, while attending the meetings. The IMO spirit of cooperation is still the same, but the adoption process is much faster. This gives IMO a better chance to respond to the need of its constituents.
Mrs. Olsen said as she accepted the Prize with gratitude.
Denmark highlighted Mrs. Sølling Olsen's focus on international solutions as a member of the Danish delegation during deliberations at IMO, 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 tirelessly to ensure seafarer issues were addressed, both at IMO and at the International Labour Organization, including seafarer training and education, working conditions and personal safety.
