International Relations

The oceans cover nearly 71% of the Earth’s surface and are the foundation of planetary life. The IMO, a UN specialized agency established in 1959, plays a critical role in promoting safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable use of the seas.

Sea as an Important Component of the Cosmos

It regulates climate, supports biodiversity, and drives global trade (over 80% of international trade by volume)

Oceans absorb about 30% of global CO₂ emissions, produce half of the world’s oxygen, and absorb 90% of excess heat generated.

Biodiversity and Life: Marine ecosystems host nearly 80% of all life forms

Moral Value as part of the “common heritage of mankind”

Engine of the Blue Economy: fisheries, renewable ocean energy, tourism, and seabed resources

Role of IMO in Environmental Protection

Net-Zero Framework – a global mechanism to price carbon emissions from ships and use the proceeds to help developing countries transition to green shipping.

Pollution Prevention through MARPOL convention:

Regulates oil, chemical, sewage, garbage, and air pollution.

Enforce low-sulphur fuel standards and Energy Efficiency Design for new ships

IMO’s Initial GHG Strategy targets 50% reduction in ship emissions by 2050 (from 2008 levels).

Promotes green shipping and alternative fuels (LNG, methanol, hydrogen), and carbon intensity.

Prevents transfer of invasive aquatic species through Ballast Water Management Convention

IMO’s Polar Code addresses safety and environmental protection in polar waters

Role in Maritime Safety and Security

IMO provides a legal and technical framework for cleaner and safer shipping.

SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea, 1974) is IMO’s flagship convention, setting global ship design and emergency standards.

STCW Convention (1978): Mandates uniform global training and certification for seafarers.

ISPS Code (2002): Strengthens ship-port security against terrorism and piracy.

IMO assists regional frameworks like Djibouti Code of Conduct (Somalia Basin) and ReCAAP (Asia) to combat piracy.

Introduced e-navigation and Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) to improve real-time communication.

Challenges

Weak Enforcement: IMO relies on flag states’ compliance.

Developing countries face technological and financial limitations for meeting emission targets.

Emerging Threats: Cybersecurity and illegal fishing.

Slow Decision-Making due to consensus-based model.

Climate-Trade Dilemma: Balancing decarbonization with global trade competitiveness remains difficult.

Recently, negotiations on the net zero framework have been adjourned for a year after opposition from the US and Saudi Arabia.

Way Forward

Stronger Monitoring Mechanisms through real-time tracking.

Capacity Building of developing nations under a “Common but Differentiated Responsibility” framework.

Strengthening R&D : green shipping corridors, hydrogen fuel, and maritime innovation hubs

Global Cooperation among IMO, UNEP, UNDP, and regional maritime bodies like IORA

As seas sustain both life and livelihood, global cooperation under IMO’s leadership is essential to achieve a safe, secure, and sustainable ocean future.