A wide-ranging agenda on Polar specific measures was discussed at the January 24-25 Polar Marine Seminar jointly sponsored by IMO and Norway’s Chairship of the Arctic Council, in cooperation with the Arctic Council’s Working Group on the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME).
Over 200 participants representing nearly 100 different States, entities and organizations gathered at IMO Headquarters in London for two days of discussion on topics related to maritime activity in the Arctic and Antarctic.
The event was designed to provide an update on Polar shipping developments, and a chance to share information on international efforts to support Polar shipping to become safer, greener and more sustainable. Sessions across the two days covered trends in Arctic and Antarctic vessel activity, voyage planning, search and rescue, polar waters training, POLARIS, underwater radiated noise, pollution control measures, and fishing vessel safety.
Dr. Heike Deggim, the International Maritime Organizations’ Director of the Marine Environment Division, says: “Building on the success of the 2022 Polar Maritime Seminar, which resulted in deepened cross-collaboration between both Polar Regions this seminar has been a huge success. The seminar highlighted very important issues for the safety of life at sea, and the protection of the polar Regions’ pristine environment, and in respect of the Arctic, its people, with 200 attendees. IMO recognizes through this success the importance of working with the Arctic Council to achieve these objectives, and in particular in this instance with Norway and the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment Working Group.
Addressing the Seminar, Ms. Siv Christin Gaalaas, Specialist Director, Norwegian Ministry of Trade Industry and Fisheries said: “It is our obligation as responsible coastal and flag states to balance the opportunities the oceans provide us with and at the same time protect the marine environment in the vulnerable Polar areas. Promoting safe and sustainable shipping in Polar areas is a challenge we must continue to meet collectively and collaboratively through effective international cooperation. The Polar Maritime Seminar, co-hosted by IMO and Norway as chair of the Arctic Council, has proved to be an exceptional platform for relevant stakeholders to come together to share experiences and best practices, and advance safe and sustainable shipping in Polar areas.”
(Photo from IMO)