The United States President Donald Trump expressed strong opposition to the IMO’s proposal to impose a carbon emissions price on global shipping, calling it a “Global Green New Scam Tax.”
Overview of IMO
- Full Form: International Maritime Organization.
- Type: UN specialized agency for shipping safety, security, and marine pollution prevention.
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
- Members: 176 member states and 3 associate members.
- Role: Sets global standards for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping.
- Regulatory Nature: IMO develops regulations; enforcement is the responsibility of member states, which incorporate them into domestic law.
- Contribution to SDGs: Supports UN SDG 14, promoting sustainable use and conservation of oceans and marine resources.
Functions of IMO
- Safety Regulations: Develops rules for ship design, construction, and operation to ensure maritime safety.
- Security Measures: Formulates policies to prevent threats to ships and ports.
- Environmental Protection: Controls marine pollution from ships, including emissions, oil spills, and ballast water.
- Legal Framework: Handles issues like liability, compensation, and maritime traffic facilitation.
- Standard Setting: Creates a universally accepted framework for global shipping operations.
Organisational Structure
- Assembly: Supreme decision-making body; meets every two years to approve the budget, work programme, and elect council members.
- Council: Executive body overseeing IMO operations between Assembly sessions.
- Committees: Five main committees, including the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), formulate policies and draft regulations.
- Funding: Comes from mandatory member contributions, voluntary donations, and commercial revenue.
Conclusion
The IMO plays a crucial role in ensuring safe, secure, and environmentally responsible shipping worldwide. Its initiatives, including carbon pricing and emission controls, are central to global climate action and sustainable maritime development.
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