
IMO Sets 2025 Agenda: Focusing on Global Security, Decarbonization, and Seafarer Welfare
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing global security, promoting decarbonization, and supporting seafarer welfare for the year 2025. Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez addressed a press conference at the IMO headquarters in London, highlighting the achievements of the past year and the organization’s focused agenda for safer and more sustainable maritime operations.
Dominguez expressed concern over unsafe shipping operations and plans to intensify efforts against the use of substandard vessels, aiming to strengthen technical cooperation with Member States to identify and bridge regulatory gaps.
A notable rise in seafarer abandonment cases has prompted calls for action, with reported instances increasing from 142 in 2023 to 310 in 2024. The IMO will collaborate with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and industry stakeholders to ensure that shipowners fulfill their responsibilities towards their crews, emphasizing the importance of investing in seafarer wellbeing.
Dominguez also stressed the importance of diversity within the organization’s membership, despite some global companies withdrawing from diversity objectives. He reaffirmed the IMO’s dedication to continuing advocacy for inclusion in the maritime sector.
In the coming year, the IMO plans to work closely with Member States to finalize decarbonization strategies and their associated costs, which have been estimated between EUR 8 billion and EUR 28 billion according to UN Trade and Development data. This transition holds the potential to create between 1 to 4 million green jobs, particularly benefiting developing nations.
Meeting the IMO’s greenhouse gas (GHG) targets for 2030 is fundamental, as it sets milestones toward the broader goals for 2050. The Secretary-General acknowledged the scrutiny faced by the organization and reiterated the responsibility of Member States to demonstrate their commitment to achieving these objectives.
Dominguez expressed optimism for the future, citing a strong willingness among Member States to engage and fulfill their commitments, ensuring significant improvements within the maritime industry.
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