TIM eMagazine Vol.2 Issue 12
Credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/imo-un/
“Billions of ordinary people, all over the world, rely on
shipping every day of their lives – even if they don't real-
ise it or understand it. It is our role to ensure shipping can
continue to make this vital contribution to global well-be-
ing,” Mr Lim added.
The Convention on the International Maritime Organi-
zation (IMO) was adopted on 6 March 1948 at the United
Nations Maritime Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland.
The convention entered into force 10 years later, on 17
March 1958, when the 21st State ratified the treaty. IMO’s
first meeting was held in London on 6 January 1959, at
Church House in central London.
Since then, IMO Member States have pursued their
mission to develop the global regulatory framework for
international shipping.
To date, IMO continues its work to improve maritime
safety and security, the efficiency of navigation and the
prevention and control of pollution from ships, as well as
the fair and effective implementation of its regulations.
IMO – the International Maritime Organization – is the
United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for
the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of
pollution by ships.
IMO today has 173 Member States and three Associate
Members.
The IMO Headquarters building, located on London’s
Albert Embankment on the south bank of the River
Thames, was purpose-built by the United Kingdom Gov-
ernment for the Organization during the 1970s, with its
foundation stone laid by His Royal Highness The Duke of
Edinburgh, in 1979. The building was formally opened in
1983 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen’s cous-
in, His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester re opened
the building in 2008 following a major refurbishment.
The 6 March 2018 event was attended by represen-
tatives of IMO Member States, inter-governmental and
international non-governmental organizations, and IMO
Secretariat staff. www.imo.org
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