Archive 2023
Boosting Guinea-Bissau's oil spill response planning
A workshop has taken place in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau to improve the country’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of an oil pollution incident. The event was the result of Guinea Bissau’s request for help in developing their National Oil Spill Contingency Plan.
Fiji roundtable on improving availability of maritime transport cost data
A regional roundtable has been held in Fiji to discuss the collection of maritime transport costs data at the national level and the sharing of lessons learned. The event, held in Suva, brought together 31 stakeholders and focal points from Pacific Small Island Developing States. The forum was part of IMO's efforts to support Pacific SIDS in their efforts towards low-carbon shipping.
Progress towards new MENA regional office in Egypt
IMO officials have visited Alexandria, Egypt to liaise on plans to open an IMO Regional Presence Office there for the Middle East and North Africa. The RPO will enhance the implementation of the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme for the Arab States in the MENA region.
Unlocking opportunities for Green Shipping in Africa
A Green Shipping conference in Accra, Ghana (15-16 February), provided a forum to discuss opportunities and challenges for African countries in the decarbonization of international shipping. Key drivers of change include an ambitious and global regulatory framework put in place by IMO addressing energy efficiency; development of new technologies; and investments in renewable energy and infrastructure.
Proposed IMO ship number scheme extension: Share your views
IMO is encouraging anyone with views on a proposal to increase the number of digits used in the IMO Ship Identification Scheme to take part in a survey on the idea. The consultation exercise runs until 31 May 2023.
IMO CARES: Addressing emission reduction and green technologies in Latin America
A virtual workshop on maritime decarbonization and Research and Development (R&D) in Latin America and globally was held in Panama (9 February). The workshop was organized by the IMO Coordinated Actions to Reduce Emissions from Shipping (IMO CARES) project and MTCC-Latin America with the aim of highlighting the role of green technologies in achieving more sustainable shipping.
Thailand accepts amendments to expand IMO Council
Thailand has become the latest country to accept amendments to the Convention on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which will expand the size of the Council, extend the term of its Members, and recognize three additional language texts as authentic versions of the Convention.
IMO pays tribute to earthquake victims in Türkiye and Syria
Member States and observers of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have paid tribute to the victims of the earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria on 6 February 2023.
Sub-Committee completes review of fishers' training treaty
The Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 9), meeting 6-10 February, has completed its review of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F). The Sub-Committee also agreed to draft amendments to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Code, to prevent and respond to bullying and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH).