Technical cooperation at the IMO
The development of Member State capacity towards better regulation, enforcement and implementation was the focus of last week’s International Maritime Organisation Technical Cooperation Committee.
The Secretary-General highlighted to the committee that in 2024 the IMO’s technical cooperation support trained over 4,500 people globally. 49 countries were supported with National Action Plan development and 40 countries received technology demonstration pilots, which include necessary long-term policy and legislative reforms.
Additionally, staff from the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division showcased many of the IMO’s real-world projects and initiatives which are having an impact today and shaping thinking about the future of maritime development, innovation and sustainability.
The committee agreed the Technical Cooperation Fund allocation for the period 2026-27. Totalling US$14.8 million, this represents a 10% increase over the current period. Various other capacity development initiatives have their own funding, such as GreenVoyage 2050, led by Norway, which will see US$28.4 million used to implement the IMO’s GreenHouse Gas Strategy; and a US$1.9 million project funded by China and Norway to promote safe and environmentally sound ship recycling (SENSREC).
Cadet training at sea is an important issue for our industry. The committee received a report on the Global On-Board Training Programme for fostering competent young seafarers. Led by the Republic of Korea since 2021, the programme has provided training to 156 cadets from 22 countries.
A suite of IMO outreach organisations, offices and partnerships was also discussed. The seven IMO regional presence offices (in Trinidad, Philippines, Kenya, Egypt, Fiji, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire) play a vital role in delivering tailored technical cooperation across their respective regions. These are being augmented by five Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres (MTCCs) funded by the European Union.
It was a highly productive meeting during which firm plans were laid for the next phases of capacity development across the maritime regulatory sphere. The Nautical Institute will continue to cooperate in support of IMO objectives, delivering expertise through our Academy and our Qualifications team, including our IMO recognised Marine Oil Spill Response training.
The Nautical Institute was represented by Captains Ian Clarke AFNI, Moin Ahmed FNI and Chris O’Flaherty AFNI.