The Mariner's Blog

A study by IMO concluded that about 2.7% of the global man-made emissions of CO2 in 2007—some 870 million tons—were emitted by international shipping. Experts meet for a workshop at IMO in London at the start of March to update the numbers from that study, which likely have been affected by the global economic downturn that began in 2008.

IMO together with a number of industry bodies (ICS, BIMCO, OCIMF, INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, IPTA, and ISF) remain convinced that the only long-term solution to piracy is to establish effective government and implement the rule of law ashore in Somalia. With that solution beyond the horizon, the group urges that anti-piracy efforts not let up.

IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu has announced the theme of this year's Maritime Day: "Sustainable Development: IMO’s contri...

At the start of 2013, IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu said that halving lives lost at sea, eradicating pirate attacks, and ensuring the release of all hostages should be goals for IMO and the shipping industry in the coming years.

Amendments were adopted for the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) in May 2011 to reduce the liklihood of accidents during lifeboat launching. Those amendments have taken effect as of January 1, 2013.

In July 2011, amendments were adopted for the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) to require more engery efficiency, reduced emissions, and raised standards for the handling of sewage and garbage. Those amendments have taken effect as of January 1, 2013.

IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) adopted resolution MSC.328(90), which finalized Amendment 36 to the IMDG Code. There are new UN Numbers up to 3506 and some new packing instructions, as well as many detailed changes to the chapters and the Dangerous Goods List entries. The most significant changes are summarized here.

IMO will soon be publishing the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code and Supplement, 2012 Edition, incorporating Amendment 01-11 (IMSBC Code 2012). This update to the original IMSBC Code 2009 is already available for use, in spite of the lack of a published hardcopy. IMSBC Code 2012 will replace IMSBC Code 2009 starting in 2013 when the IMSBC Code 2009 expires. Click through for a summary of what the IMSBC Code is, what's changed, and what's in store.

IMO has published Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships' Biofouling to Minimize the Transfer of Invasive Aquatic Species (Ships' Biofouling), 2012 Edition. Read on to learn about the purpose of these guidelines and the biofouling they're meant to prevent.

IMO has just released a new publication: the Guide to Maritime Security and the ISPS Code, 2012. Read on to learn more about it.