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International Maritime Organization urged its 176 member states and the global shipping industry to accelerate the implementation of measures aimed at protecting the marine environment as World Oceans Day was observed on June 8
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IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stressed the need to move beyond policymaking and focus on practical implementation of maritime environmental regulations
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The organization highlighted key international conventions addressing marine pollution, invasive aquatic species, ship recycling, and ocean dumping
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IMO reaffirmed its target of eliminating plastic waste discharges from ships into the sea by 2030 through its 2026 Strategy and Action Plan on Marine Plastic Litter
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Member states agreed to develop a legally binding instrument to manage ships’ biofouling and curb the spread of invasive aquatic species
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The trial phase for revised guidelines on reducing underwater radiated noise from ships was extended to 2028 to help protect marine biodiversity
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has urged its 176 member states and the global shipping industry to accelerate the implementation of measures aimed at protecting the marine environment, emphasizing that effective enforcement is critical to safeguarding the world’s oceans.
IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez called on governments and industry stakeholders to translate maritime environmental policies into concrete action.
“At IMO, we take our responsibility to protect the ocean seriously. With shipping being one of the main users of the ocean space, it is the reason why we focus on enhancing our regulatory framework to reduce pollution and address new challenges, such as underwater radiated noise and transboundary species,” Dominguez said in a video message for World Oceans Day, observed every June 8th.
“Beyond setting the rules, we must put policy into practice,” he added, referring to the IMO World Maritime Day theme for 2026-2027, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
Over the years, the IMO has developed a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at preventing marine pollution, conserving biodiversity, and encouraging safer, more sustainable shipping practices globally.
Among the key international agreements are the MARPOL Convention, the Ballast Water Management Convention, the Anti-Fouling Systems Convention, the Hong Kong Convention, and the London Convention and Protocol, all of which are intended to safeguard marine ecosystems and reduce the environmental impact of shipping activities.
READ: IMO approves net-zero rules for shipping
The IMO also highlighted recent progress in addressing marine pollution, biodiversity protection, and climate-related challenges.
To combat marine plastic pollution, the organization adopted its 2026 Strategy and Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships, reaffirming its goal of achieving zero plastic waste discharges from ships into the sea by 2030.
On biodiversity protection, member states agreed to develop a standalone legally binding instrument governing the control and management of ships’ biofouling, a key pathway for the transfer of invasive aquatic species across ecosystems.
The IMO further extended until 2028 the trial phase of its revised guidelines on reducing underwater radiated noise from shipping, with plans to commission a study that will help determine future regulatory measures aimed at minimizing adverse effects on marine life.
Meanwhile, discussions continue on measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships as the maritime sector seeks to align with global climate goals while maintaining the efficient movement of international trade.
READ: Shipping industry throws support to IMO ahead of meeting advancing decarbonization
