As 2026 begins, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Domínguez, underscored the importance of moving decisively from commitments to concrete action, consolidating this period as the “Year of Implementation.”
Under the 2026 World Maritime Theme, “From Policy to Practice: Driving Maritime Excellence,” the IMO will focus its efforts on achieving measurable progress that addresses the current challenges facing the maritime sector.
One of the key priorities will be seafarers, recognizing that nearly two million people work at sea and form the backbone of global maritime transport. In this context, the IMO will promote a major update of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), with the aim of adapting training to the new realities of the sector, including emerging technologies, new fuels, and constantly evolving operational requirements.
In terms of decarbonization, the Organization will continue advancing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or around that date, reaffirming its commitment to climate action.
Likewise, 2026 will be a key year for regulatory development, with particular attention focused on the completion of the Code on Autonomous Ships, which will mark a milestone in regulating the safe use of new technologies in the maritime domain.
Finally, the IMO will continue to actively support the implementation of the United Nations High Seas Treaty, which enters into force in January 2026, reaffirming its global commitment to the protection of the oceans and marine biodiversity.
The Secretary-General concluded his message by wishing the entire maritime community a successful 2026 and inviting them to discover the IMO’s new institutional logo, a symbol of this new stage focused on action and excellence.