Tag: IMO

The ‘London Protocol’ entered into force ten years ago, modernizing the original “London Convention” dumping treaty by prohibiting all dumping at sea with the exception of wastes commonly agreed by Governments and then put on an approved list. Iran has become the latest country to accede to this IMO treaty.

The Danish Maritime Authority is advising that the upcoming session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 97) will consider, among other things, potential new safety criteria for small passenger ships engaged on international voyages.

The Master of an oil tanker who says she was “just doing her job” has received the highest IMO bravery recognition for saving the lives of seven fishermen from a sinking fishing boat during a tumultuous storm in the Bay of Bengal in June 2015.

Technicians working in the growing offshore alternative energy sector often need to be transferred to their place of work by sea. This needs to be done safely and efficiently; IMO 97 will consider interim measures ahead of the adoption of a proposed new Code.

IMO has taken the initiative to launch a new kid-friendly website including a specially- commissioned animation and information to explain to young people how IMO works to protect the marine environment and the atmosphere.

Work to implement IMO’s Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention in developing countries is underway in Zagreb, Croatia, with two training activities under IMO’s GloBallast project.

An audience of lawyers and academics have heard that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) gives a clear mandate for IMO to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment from or through the atmosphere and to address climate change.

Training for oil pollution preparedness, response and cooperation (OPRC) was underway in Jeju Island, Republic of Korea through 7-11 November. On completion of the course, Government officials from seven Southeast Asian countries played a significant role in advancing their respective countries’ OPRC capability, as well as regional and international cooperation in the case of major oil spills.

The pressure on Europe to take action on shipping’s climate emissions is building after the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) decided last month to delay by at least a further seven years any decision on a global agreement to cut GHGs from ships. Leading members of the European Parliament called the delay an abject failure by national governments and the shipping industry.

IMO’s efforts to help prevent the spread of potentially harmful invasive aquatic species were highlighted at the ACI 16th Ballast Water Management Conference in Antwerp, Belgium through 9-10 November.