IMO's 2024 World Maritime theme centers on safety

IMO's 2024 World Maritime theme centers on safety
Yashika F. Torib August 2, 2023 https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/02/business/maritime/imos-2024-world...

MARITIME Safety has been selected by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for its 2024 World Maritime Theme, which will culminate in the celebration of World Maritime Day on Sept. 26, 2024.

Entitled "Navigating the future: safety first!," the theme reflects IMO's work to enhance maritime safety and security, in tandem with the protection of the marine environment, while ensuring its regulatory development process safely anticipates the fast pace of technological change and innovation.

"This theme would allow us to focus on the full range of safety regulatory implications arising from new and adapted technologies and the introduction of alternative fuels including measures to reduce GHG emissions from ships as IMO strives to ensure the safety and efficiency of shipping are maintained, and potentially improved so that the flow of seaborne international trade continues to be smooth and efficient," IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said.

Safety has been at the heart of all of IMO's activities since the organization was established in 1948.

The regulatory framework is continuously evolving as gaps become apparent and as a result of IMO's proactive work to anticipate changes needed to accommodate emerging technologies and innovation — a prominent example being the currently ongoing development of a goal-based Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS Code).

In 2024, the industry will mark 50 years since the adoption of the 1974 Solas Convention, the key IMO treaty regulating maritime safety.

Digitalization and automation are increasingly revolutionizing the shipping industry by introducing new technologies that enhance safety, security, and efficiency, optimize performance, reduce environmental impact, and ensure sustainability.

This is improving the overall efficacy and competitiveness of the shipping industry, making it possible to design, construct and operate ships more efficiently, handle more cargo, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.