IMO Urges Nations to Turn Ocean Protection Policies into Action

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called on governments and the global shipping industry to accelerate the implementation of measures aimed at protecting the marine environment, stressing that effective action is essential to translating policy commitments into tangible results.

Marking World Oceans Day on 8 June, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the need to move “from policy to practice,” aligning with the Organization's 2026–2027 World Maritime Day theme, Powering Maritime Excellence. He highlighted the critical role of international shipping in supporting global trade while safeguarding ocean health for future generations.

The IMO pointed to a number of recent environmental initiatives designed to address key challenges facing the maritime sector. Among them is the adoption of the 2026 Strategy and Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships, which supports the Organization's objective of achieving zero plastic waste discharges from ships by 2030.

The Organization is also advancing efforts to reduce underwater radiated noise from vessels, extending the trial phase of revised guidelines through 2028 to improve understanding of the issue and support future mitigation measures. In addition, Member States have agreed to develop a legally binding framework on biofouling management to help curb the spread of invasive aquatic species through international shipping.

The IMO further reiterated its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships as part of broader efforts to achieve the sector's long-term climate objectives.

Dominguez urged governments, industry stakeholders and maritime professionals to ensure that agreed regulations are effectively implemented, noting that strong enforcement and international cooperation will be critical to delivering meaningful environmental progress and protecting the world's oceans.

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