International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has unveiled the organization’s priorities for 2025 in an inspiring video message.
His agenda centers on three critical themes: seafarer welfare, global maritime security, and decarbonization. These pillars reflect the pressing challenges and opportunities within the maritime industry.
1. Prioritizing seafarer welfare
Seafarers remain the backbone of the global maritime industry, and Secretary-General Dominguez emphasized the urgent need to enhance their safety, security, and support systems. He highlighted three areas of focus:
- Safety and Security: Strengthening measures to ensure the well-being of seafarers aboard ships, particularly in high-risk areas.
- Support in Decarbonization Efforts: Providing adequate training and resources for seafarers as they adapt to the industry’s decarbonization initiatives.
- Reducing Criminalization: Addressing the unjust treatment and criminalization of seafarers, advocating for fair and humane practices.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Despite progress in increasing gender representation, Dominguez reaffirmed his commitment to promoting diversity in the maritime sector. He stated his firm policy of not participating in panels without female representation, signaling the IMO’s dedication to fostering an inclusive industry.
2. Strengthening global maritime security
Global maritime security remains a key priority with rising geopolitical tensions and evolving security threats. The IMO aims to collaborate with Member States and stakeholders to bolster safety measures, enhance communication, and address vulnerabilities in international waters. These efforts aim to protect maritime routes, safeguard commerce, and ensure the resilience of the global shipping network.
3. Accelerating decarbonization
The maritime sector’s transition toward decarbonization takes center stage in 2025. Secretary-General Dominguez highlighted the significance of achieving the objectives outlined in the 2023 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy, which targets decarbonization by or around 2050. Key initiatives include:
- Technical and Economic Measures: Encouraging the adoption of innovative solutions to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Fostering common ground among Member States and industry stakeholders to drive meaningful progress.
- Ocean Sustainability: Aligning efforts with the IMO’s 2025 World Maritime Day theme: “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.” This theme underscores the shared responsibility of preserving marine ecosystems while harnessing their potential.
A Call to Action
Secretary-General Dominguez’s message is both a call to action and an invitation to collaborate. He urged stakeholders across the maritime community to contribute to shaping a successful and transformative year for the IMO. His optimism and resolve set a hopeful tone for the year ahead.
As the maritime industry navigates these priorities, the IMO’s leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable practices.
Join the conversation and watch Secretary-General Dominguez’s full message below.
Let’s unite to make 2025 a landmark year for the maritime world.
