International Maritime Organisation

Regulating the High Seas, the role of the International Maritime Organisation

IMO – the International Maritime Organization – is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. It requires a level playing-field that encourages without compromising on safety, security and environmental performance.

As a specialized agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

Currently SUISSENÉGOCE is following closely the work of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) on key issues such as CO2 emissions, sulphur limits in marine fuels, ballast water management and ship energy efficiency.

These rules will have an important impact on shipping as the new 0,5% global sulphur emission cap to enter into force on 1st January 2020 is expected to apply to about 70,000 ships worldwide according to the IMO.

In addition to IMO rules, SUISSENÉGOCE monitors the legislation adopted by the European Commission, such as the EU Shipping MRV Regulation.

Link to the IMO website

Link to the European Commission's webpage on shipping

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SUISSENÉGOCE is a non-profit, non-political Swiss association representing companies active in commodity trading and shipping activities, trade finance and related services.

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