Australia joins IMO on World Maritime Day

Australia has announced that it has joined the International Maritime Organization and other shipping nations in celebration of this World Maritime Day 2022.

Under the theme of “New technologies for greener shipping”, the celebration highlights the importance of protecting and preserving the environment through the adoption of decarbonisation technologies.

“As Minister responsible for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, I am proud to join with the International Maritime Organization and other nations to celebrate World Maritime Day today,” said Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.

The shipping industry is the world’s most energy efficient method of mass cargo transport. But it still contributes nearly 3 per cent of global carbon emissions.

By 2050, the IMO is aiming to reduce shipping’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 per cent, in line with the Paris Agreement temperature goals.

Related: IMO meeting becomes “missed opportunity” to decarbonise shipping

Key to achieving this ambition are technological innovation and the global introduction of alternative fuels and energy sources for international shipping.

Australia proactively supports this through influencing and implementing IMO environment regulation and investing in alternate fuels.

In line with World Maritime Day, the country will also be announcing its candidacy for re-election to category b of the IMO Council for the 2024–25 biennium.

“Representation on the IMO Council allows us a seat at the table to influence important policies and decisions in the international maritime sector,” Minister King said.

“Nowhere is this more important that in relation to decarbonisation and other strategies to reduce global warming,” she said.

The IMO sets standards for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping.

Minister King said that Australia’s continued participation on the IMO Council allows us to help position the maritime industry to be resilient and responsive to change by shaping standards for the protection of the environment, seafarer conditions, international trade and sea transport.

Source: The Hon Catherine MP media release. Content has been edited for style and length.