International Maritime Organization delivers address to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO)

ITOPF was represented by its Company Secretary and Director of Governance, Jenny Edwards, at the International Maritime Organization’s first Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) briefing of 2026, where the Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, provided a comprehensive update on progress to date and priorities for the year ahead.

The key focus points of the briefing included:

🔹 Decarbonisation: The Secretary-General reiterated the importance of focusing on the substance of the IMO’s global fuel standard and associated Green House Gas (GHG) pricing mechanism—central elements of the net‑zero framework. NGOs were encouraged to actively support and promote this work.

🔹 Seafarer protection: Issues of criminalisation and abandonment remain a priority, with further consideration scheduled at the Legal Committee on 13-17 April and Maritime Safety Committee on 13 May.

🔹 Dark & shadow fleet: The IMO is closely monitoring risks linked to substandard shipping, Ship-to-Ship operations, security and integrity of navigation tools (AIS), liability insurance and foreign land flagging. These matters will be taken forward at the Legal Committee meeting in April.

🔹 2026 priorities: Key areas of focus include strengthening cyber security, modernising GSIS, restoring IMO Space, enhancing building sustainability, advancing plans for the IMO Museum, accommodating additional UN agencies and exploring AI‑enabled efficiencies in meeting processes.

🔹 Documentation management: With a significant increase in the volume of submissions to IMO bodies, the Secretary-General encouraged all contributors to provide concise and focused reporting.

Jenny Edwards said, "We value our observer status and ongoing engagement with the IMO and we remain committed to supporting initiatives that enhance maritime safety, environmental protection and effective international governance."