International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is a United Nations agency responsible for setting global standards for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping. It provides a framework for cooperation among member states to address maritime challenges. The IMO is currently newsworthy due to rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and concerns about sulphur pollution from ferries in European port cities. The IMO has called for a "safe maritime framework" to ensure the evacuation of merchant seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran is reportedly increasing control over shipping traffic. The IMO Secretary General has also stated that military escorts for tankers in the Strait are not a sustainable solution. Separately, data reveals that ferries in several EU capitals emit more sulphur pollution than cars, highlighting the need for stricter environmental regulations, an area where the IMO plays a crucial role. These issues underscore the IMO's ongoing relevance in addressing both geopolitical and environmental challenges facing the maritime industry.