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Oct 06 2014

World Maritime Day focuses on promoting effective implementation of IMO shipping conventions

Vice-President Siim Kallas, European Commissioner for Transport and Mobility, urged further international cooperation to encourage flag states to accede to and apply the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) global shipping conventions. The theme for the 2014 World Maritime Day on 25 September is 'IMO Conventions - effective implementation'. As delegates from the world's flag states gathered at the IMO to celebrate this event, Vice President Kallas recognised the need for global shipping regulation and enforcement and thanked the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Mr. Koji Sekimizu, for the good cooperation between the IMO and its partners and the European Commission so far.

Vice-President Kallas said: "Our common aim is to promote quality in global shipping, improvements in safety and environmental protection and the working conditions of seafarers. As shipping is a global industry, I regret that several key conventions, such as the Conventions on Ship Recycling, on Ballast Water Management or on Hazardous and Noxious Substances have not been ratified yet. We are working to improve safety, environmental protection and the working conditions of seafarers. By focusing not only on the accession of flag states to the international conventions that address these aims, but also on an effective national infrastructure to put such conventions into practice, we underline the continuing need for flag states to take up their responsibilities." Read more

 

Source: EUROPEAN COMMISSION