The International Maritime Prize for 2016 has been presented to Mr. Koji Sekimizu, former Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), for his contribution to the work of IMO over many years. IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim presented the prize on Monday, on 27 November, at the IMO awards ceremony.
“Mr. Sekimizu has dedicated his career and his lifetime to promoting safety of life at sea and protecting the marine and atmospheric environment. He is truly deserving of the International Maritime Prize,” Mr. Lim said.
Mr. Koji Sekimizu, a Japanese national, was elected Secretary-General of IMO in 2011, assuming that role at the beginning of 2012 for a four-year term.
The IMO Council unanimously decided in July to award the Prize to Mr. Sekimizu, nominated by the Government of Japan, who highlighted his contribution as director of both the Maritime Safety and Marine Environment Divisions, and as IMO Secretary-General.
According to IMO, Mr. Sekimizu oversaw the adoption of a number of key instruments, including the amendments to make the IMO Member State Audit Scheme mandatory, the Polar Code, and the Cape Town Agreement on fishing vessel safety. He pushed forward with the reduction of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from ships. He also contributed greatly to the enforcement of anti-piracy measures, including setting up the Djibouti Regional Training Centre.
As Secretary-General, Mr. Sekimizu worked to strengthen the governance and capacity of IMO’s educational institutions, and the financial sustainability of the World Maritime University. Within IMO, Mr. Sekimizu initiated a review and reform process.
“I spent the whole of my professional life in the development of international rules and regulations at IMO for the safety at sea and prevention of pollution from ships and ensuring maritime security. It was a great honour for me to serve IMO and the international maritime community as the Secretary-General and I am proud of my life totally devoted to IMO,” Mr. Sekimizu said.
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.
