26 September is World Maritime Day 2024. This year’s theme ‘Navigating the future: safety first’ reflects the IMO's work to enhance maritime safety and security, in tandem with the protection of the marine environment. The theme also provides the opportunity to focus on the safety implications arising from the introduction of alternative fuels including measures to reduce GHG emissions from ships.
This year's theme, 'MARPOL at 50 - our commitment goes on', reflects the organization's history of protecting the environment from the impact of shipping. Ipieca works to support MARPOL through a range of expertise around technologies, GHG emissions reduction, marine spill preparedness and response, health and safety.
Ipieca and OCIMF have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen collaboration in support of sustainable maritime transport and the production and use of fuels. The agreement was signed in London by Brian Sullivan, CEO of Ipieca, and Don Davis, Managing Director of OCIMF.
The week featured discussions on renewable energy, energy efficiency, cleaner electricity systems, resilient energy infrastructure, energy financing and the role of sustainable fuels in supporting the energy transition. Participants highlighted the importance of integrated approaches that strengthen energy security, affordability and sustainability while accelerating progress towards climate goals.
Held in Singapore from 21-22 September, ahead of SpillAsia 2026, the IMO Research and Development (R&D) Forum brought together regulators, researchers, industry representatives and emergency responders from around the world to examine emerging preparedness and response challenges associated with the maritime energy transition.
The IMO's seventh GHG expert workshop brought together representatives, including governments, industry, certification bodies, standards organisations and academia to explore chain of custody models for fuel supply chain traceability.
The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) met for its 83rd session in person at IMO Headquarters in London where it approved the IMO Net-zero Framework, the first in the world to combine mandatory emissions limits and GHG pricing across an entire industry sector.
Taking place in Togo, the conference brought together 120 participants, including key government and industry representatives from 20 African countries to share good practice and provide technical support to enhance oil spill preparedness and response.
