Seafarers, security and decarbonisation top IMO agenda in 2025

The video message sees Dominguez staying with the same key agenda areas as the previous year – seafarers, security, and decarbonisation.

"The first one, seafarers, the second one, security around the globe, and the third one, decarbonisation. When it comes to seafarers, we need to enhance the safety and security of the key personnel on board ships. We also need to focus on increasing the support that we provide to them, not just on decarbonisation, but also when it comes to reducing the criminalization of seafarers; then diversity,” he said.

The IMO Secretary-General remains strong on his commitment to improve diversity in the maritime industries and personally not to participate in panels where there is no female representation. "We have made progress, particularly when it comes to gender in the maritime sector, but the reality is that there is more to come.”

Decarbonisation is the topic where IMO will be most in the spotlight and there are the biggest expectations internationally in terms of agreeing measures for the global industry.

"This is a big year for IMO, and I remain positive that Member States and stakeholders will find common ground and adopt the technical and economic measures  - that will allow the sector to meet the objectives set up in the 2023 GHG strategy, and decarbonising the sector by or around 2050 - this year,” Dominguez said.

He ended the video calling on people to join him in a “successful and memorable year for the IMO”.

Watch the IMO Secretary-General’s video message