The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are convening a symposium in London from September 23-26 to unite the meteorology, oceanography, and maritime sectors to tackle extreme weather at sea.
During the opening remarks, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez highlighted that improving maritime safety aligns with environmental regulations, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to both safety and sustainability. Meanwhile, WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett discussed the various impacts of climate change on the maritime sector, including sea level rise affecting ports, the increased intensity of cyclones, and melting Arctic ice, which presents both opportunities and risks for navigation.
The symposium also stressed the vital role of maritime observations and early warning systems in improving safety at sea. Captain Radhika Menon shared a personal account of a rescue operation affected by delayed weather warnings, underscoring the life-saving importance of accurate maritime weather forecasting.
Additionally, UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, Ambassador Peter Thomson, commended the symposium’s focus on climate and ocean issues as part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030).
Key focus areas
Panel discussions over the coming days will bring together world-leading experts to discuss progress since the WMO-IMO’s first symposium on extreme maritime weather held in 2019. The first symposium identified key focus areas, including:
- Collaboration across communities
- Knowledge opportunities for seafarers and forecasters
- Observations and data collection
- Dissemination of early warnings and forecasts
- Meeting seafarers’ needs via metocean products and services
This week’s symposium will aim to strengthen collaboration between the metocean forecasters and the maritime industry, share knowledge, and bridge the gaps identified.
Discussions will highlight the importance of communication between stakeholders, as well as training and capacity building for both seafarers and on-shore staff to ensure mariners avoid extreme weather at sea and minimize damage to ships, cargo, and the environment.
