International Maritime Organization

IMO Council reaffirms commitment to protecting vital shipping lanes

Statement on recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea

IMO Secretary-General calls for urgent release of 44 seafarers held by pirates

IMO announces regional team to deepen on-the-ground impact

American maritime expert and diplomat to receive International Maritime Prize

IMO condemns attacks on civilian merchant vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea

IMO Secretary-General condemns new attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz

Posthumous Bravery Award for diver who gave his life trying to save a child

Day of the Seafarer 2026: Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks.

IMO pauses evacuation in Strait of Hormuz following attack

IMO announces evacuation plan in the Strait of Hormuz

The IMO (International Maritime Organization) has announced an evacuation plan for maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical strategic shipping route. The plan addresses emergency procedures and safety protocols for vessel operators transiting this region.

IMO Secretary-General welcomes US-Iran agreement

IMO Secretary-General issues a statement welcoming a US-Iran agreement, indicating international maritime organization support for diplomatic resolution affecting parties subject to sanctions or related maritime regulations.

Statement on the attack on tanker MT Settebello

IMO statement regarding an attack on the tanker MT Settebello, addressing maritime security concerns and the safety of commercial shipping vessels in international waters.

No safe passage: Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile

The IMO Secretary-General warns that the Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile with no credible security guarantees for transiting commercial vessels. Recent incidents have caused seafarer deaths, injuries, and detentions. Ship masters and companies must conduct rigorous risk assessments and prioritize seafarer safety above commercial considerations, with all stakeholders urged to refrain from actions endangering civilian maritime personnel.

IMO urges nations to put ocean policies into practice

The IMO calls on 176 Member States and the global shipping industry to implement ocean protection measures through its regulatory framework. Key initiatives include adoption of a 2026 Strategy targeting zero plastic waste discharges from ships by 2030, extension of underwater radiated noise reduction guidelines through 2028, development of binding instruments for biofouling control to prevent invasive species spread, and ongoing regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships.

IMO treaty on hazardous and noxious cargo to enter into force in 2027

The 2010 HNS Convention enters into force on 29 November 2027, establishing the first comprehensive international liability and compensation regime for maritime transport of hazardous and noxious substances. Shipowners must maintain certified insurance; an HNS Fund capped at 250 million SDR provides additional compensation financed by post-incident cargo receiver contributions, covering over 2,000 substances including chemicals, oils, LNG, and LPG.

IMO adopts first global Code for autonomous ships

The IMO adopted the MASS Code, a non-mandatory international framework effective 1 July 2026 governing autonomous and remotely operated cargo ships. The goal-based Code establishes safety, security, and environmental standards aligned with SOLAS, emphasizing cybersecurity, risk assessment, Remote Operations Centres, and human oversight. A mandatory version is targeted for adoption by 1 July 2030.

Revised rescue guide launched to safeguard life at sea

The IMO, UNHCR, and International Chamber of Shipping released a revised Rescue Guide to strengthen humanitarian and legal protections for refugees and migrants in distress at sea. The guide provides practical procedures for safe rescue and disembarkation under international law, emphasizing the duty to rescue without discrimination and protection from refoulement, available in six languages.

​IMO and WMU launch handbook on gender mainstreaming in the maritime sector

The IMO and World Maritime University released a practical handbook on gender mainstreaming in the maritime sector to address severe underrepresentation of women (1% of seafarers, 19% of ministerial roles). The guide provides maritime administrations, shipping companies, ports, shipyards, and education institutions with tools for integrating gender considerations into policies, recruitment, training, workplace safety, and leadership development.

Professor Momoko Kitada receives IMO Gender Equality Award 2026

The International Maritime Organization awarded its 2026 Gender Equality Award to Professor Momoko Kitada, a Japanese maritime academic and former seafarer, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment in the maritime sector. The award highlights her work promoting diversity and inclusion in maritime education, professional development, and leadership pathways over two decades of research and capacity-building.

International Day for Women in Maritime 2026: Mainstreaming gender equality in shipping

The International Maritime Organization observes International Day for Women in Maritime on 18 May 2026, focusing on embedding gender equality across the maritime sector. An IMO-hosted event in London will launch a Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming and present the 2026 IMO Gender Equality Award to Professor Momoko Kitada, featuring maritime experts discussing best practices for translating gender equality commitments into actionable policies and procedures.

IMO progresses work on ship emissions, pollution and ocean protection

The IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee held its 84th session (27 April–1 May 2026) to advance consensus on global shipping emissions reduction. Key outcomes include establishing an intersessional working group to develop mid-term GHG measures under the IMO Net-Zero Framework, adoption of a new Emission Control Area for the North-East Atlantic (effective 2028) with stricter limits on NOx, SOx and particulate matter, a resolution addressing marine pollution risks from attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, and endorsement of a 2026 Strategy and Action Plan targeting zero plastic waste discharges from ships by 2030.

No safe transit through Strait of Hormuz: IMO Secretary-General

IMO Secretary-General reported on the critical situation in the Strait of Hormuz where approximately 20,000 seafarers on 1,600 vessels remain trapped due to regional conflict. Since the conflict began, 29 verified attacks on vessels have resulted in 10 deaths and significant damage. The IMO is coordinating an evacuation plan contingent on all parties agreeing to refrain from attacks, while emphasizing urgent seafarer welfare needs including food, water, fuel, and fair wage payments.

MSC.364(92) — IMO MSC Resolution

MSC.364(92) is an IMO Maritime Safety Committee resolution adopted during the 92nd session. The document provides guidance on accessing IMO resolutions through IMODOCS and directs users to consult their national maritime administrations for current resolution status and implementation details.

MEPC.209(63) — IMO MEPC Resolution

This document is a procedural index describing IMO MEPC resolutions and how to access them through IMODOCS, rather than a specific regulation. It provides organizational guidance on resolution numbering and session references from 1974 to 2025 without substantive regulatory content.

MARPOL Annex VI 2021 Amendments — EEXI / CII

Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulations.