The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the specialized United Nations agency responsible for regulating international shipping. Headquartered in London, it plays a central role in ensuring that global maritime transport is safe, environmentally sound, and efficient – while also protecting the legal framework that enables global trade by sea.
Founded in 1948 by a UN convention (and entering into force in 1958), the IMO was created in response to growing concern over maritime safety and the need for international cooperation. It was the first organization to bring together sovereign states to coordinate shipping standards on a global level.
The IMO’s mission is best summarized through four key pillars:
• Safety and security: Setting global standards to prevent accidents and safeguard life at sea.
• Environmental performance: Mitigating pollution from ships and helping the industry reduce emissions.
• Legal uniformity: Creating conventions and codes that harmonize shipping law across countries.
• Technical cooperation: Supporting developing countries in implementing maritime rules.
Over the decades, the IMO has adopted dozens of conventions and protocols, many of which form the backbone of modern maritime law. These include:
• SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea, 1974) – The cornerstone safety treaty.
• MARPOL (1973/78) – A global framework to prevent marine pollution.
• STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping, 1978) – Ensures seafarer competence.
• ISM Code (1993) – Focused on safety management and operational standards.
Once adopted by the IMO, these instruments must be ratified and implemented by member states, often supported by the IMO’s technical cooperation programmes.
The IMO has 175 member states and three associate members, representing nearly every maritime nation on Earth. Decisions are made through:
• The Assembly – Meets every two years, composed of all member states.
• The Council – Elected by the Assembly, it manages the organisation’s work between sessions.
• Five Committees, such as:
MSC (Maritime Safety Committee)
MEPC (Marine Environment Protection Committee)
Specialised sub-committees focus on cargoes, pollution response, human element, ship design, and navigation – covering all aspects of the shipping lifecycle.
Today, the IMO is central to debates on decarbonisation, digitalisation, and sustainability in the maritime sector.
• In 2023, the IMO adopted a revised Greenhouse Gas Strategy, aiming for net-zero emissions by around 2050.
• It promotes Just Transition principles, helping all member states – especially developing nations – move toward cleaner shipping without economic disadvantage.
• IMO also monitors autonomous shipping, cybersecurity, and gender inclusivity in maritime careers.
Without the IMO, global shipping would be fragmented, inconsistent, and far more dangerous. The organisation provides a neutral platform where all maritime states – large and small, developed and developing – can contribute to a unified system of governance.
Its work touches nearly every ship, port, and maritime professional – from seafarers on a tanker, to port state inspectors, to environmental policymakers.
How can the IMO ensure that its global rules adapt fast enough to match the pace of innovation in the maritime industry – without leaving behind developing nations?
