IMO highlights safety and sustainability in polar shipping

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IMO highlights safety and sustainability in polar shipping

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has emphasized the significance of safety and security in its recent 2025 Polar Maritime Seminar.

The seminar was conducted in collaboration with Norway’s Arctic Council Chairship, along with the Arctic Council’s Working Group on the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment, and ended on 24 January at IMO Headquarters in London.

According to the IMO, more than 200 people attended the two day seminar which featured discussions aimed at improving safety and sustainability in Arctic and Antarctic shipping.

READ: IMO advances on net-zero framework for shipping

The seminar covered a wide range of topics, including the most recent polar shipping advancements, trends in polar vessel activity in the Arctic and Antarctic, journey planning, search and rescue operations, polar waters training, and pollution control strategies.

Underwater noise reduction, fishing vessel safety, and the POLARIS risk management tool were also prominently discussed.

Heike Deggim, Director of the Marine Environment Division at IMO, said: “The seminar highlighted very important issues for the safety of life at sea, and the protection of the polar Regions’ pristine environment, and in respect of the Arctic and its people.”

READ: IMO to promote net-zero framework for shipping at COP29

Deggim further emphasized the significance of collaborating with the Arctic Council to accomplish these goals, namely with Norway and the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment Working Group.

Siv Christin Gaalaas, Specialist Director, Norwegian Ministry of Trade Industry and Fisheries, stated: “It is our obligation as responsible coastal and flag states to balance the opportunities the oceans provide us with and at the same time protect the marine environment in the vulnerable polar areas. Promoting safe and sustainable shipping in polar areas is a challenge we must continue to meet collectively and collaboratively through effective international cooperation.”

Recently, the Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre (MERC) released a publication which explores how existing fleet efficiency initiatives are necessary to satisfy the IMO’s Mid-Term GHG reduction targets.

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