The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations’ specialized agency responsible for regulating international shipping. Its primary mission is to ensure that shipping is safe, secure, environmentally sound, efficient, and sustainable. Established in 1948 and headquartered in London, the IMO sets the global standards for the maritime industry, covering areas such as safety, environmental protection, security, and legal frameworks.
With 175 member states and three associate members, the IMO provides a platform for governments and industry stakeholders to cooperate on shipping-related policies that affect 90% of global trade transported by sea.
What does the IMO do?
The IMO develops and maintains a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping. This includes:
- Maritime safety: Regulations for ship design, equipment, operation, and crew training.
- Marine environmental protection: Measures to prevent pollution of the sea and atmosphere by ships.
- Legal affairs: Conventions on liability, compensation, and maritime jurisdiction.
- Maritime security: Frameworks to protect ships and ports from threats such as piracy and terrorism.
- Technical cooperation: Capacity-building and training programs, especially for developing countries.
IMO regulations are adopted through international conventions, which member states implement through their national legislation and enforce via port state and flag state controls.
Core IMO Conventions
Some of the most important IMO instruments include:
- SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) – Establishes minimum safety standards for ships.
- MARPOL (Marine Pollution) – Regulates pollution from ships, including oil, chemicals, sewage, and air emissions.
- STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) – Sets international standards for crew qualifications and training.
- ISM Code (International Safety Management) – Requires ship operators to implement safety management systems.
- ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security) – Addresses security measures to prevent threats at sea and in ports.
IMO and Climate Change
As climate concerns rise, the IMO has taken increasing responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the maritime sector, which accounts for nearly 3% of global GHG emissions.
Key climate-related actions include:
- Initial GHG Strategy (2018): Aims to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008, with the ultimate goal of full decarbonization.
- Revised GHG Strategy (2023): Strengthens ambition toward reaching net-zero emissions by around 2050, with checkpoints in 2030 and 2040.
- Technical and operational measures:
- EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) for new ships.
- EEXI (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index) for existing vessels.
- CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator) for rating ship operational emissions performance.
The IMO continues to support research and development (R&D) of zero- and low-carbon fuels, such as green ammonia, hydrogen, and e-methanol.
Challenges and Criticism
The IMO has faced challenges balancing global consensus and environmental ambition:
- Slow progress: Some environmental organizations argue that the IMO’s timelines are not aggressive enough to meet 1.5°C climate targets.
- Consensus model: Decisions require broad agreement among member states, often leading to compromises.
- Implementation gaps: National enforcement of IMO rules can vary significantly, affecting global consistency.
Nonetheless, the IMO remains the only international body with a mandate to regulate emissions and environmental performance in global shipping.
