Namibia's role in the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Namibia is a proud member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized UN agency dedicated to regulating international maritime transport to enhance maritime safety, security, and prevent pollution by ships. Through its Permanent Mission to the IMO, Namibia actively advances its maritime interests and contributes to international rule-making. The Mission also engages with other international organizations under the IMO's auspices, such as the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Funds, the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO), the World Maritime University (WMU), and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI).
Guided by its 2022-2026 International Maritime Engagement Strategy, which aligns with the Harambee Prosperity Plan II (HPPII), the 2018-2035 Namibian Transport Policy, and the 2016 Policy on International Relations and Cooperation, Namibia is committed to promoting maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. The primary objectives of this strategy include advancing Namibia’s maritime interests, particularly the blue economy, enhancing its ability to meet maritime obligations, and influencing international maritime standards to benefit the nation. Namibia also enhances maritime education through institutions like the Namibia Maritime and Fisheries Institute (NAMFI), following IMO standards and collaborating with international bodies to improve port security and combat maritime crimes.
Namibia’s priorities at the (IMO) reflect its commitment to sustainable development by supporting the economic contributions of the maritime transport sector to the global economy while addressing environmental and social aspects. By implementing international maritime laws and conventions to protect the environment, Namibia engages with organizations such as the (IOPC FUNDS), (IMSO), (WMU), and (IMLI) to further these goals. These efforts ensure that Namibia not only meets its maritime obligations but also plays a significant role in shaping international maritime standards for the benefit of the nation and the global community.
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How is Namibia involved?
Capacity Development for Namibia
As Namibia strengthens its position as a transport and logistics hub for Southern Africa, the Permanent Mission will continue to source the necessary resources for capacity development in the maritime domain. This includes enhancing expertise in maritime administration, international maritime law, port management, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) for maritime and offshore industries.
Championing the Energy Transition: Tackling Climate Change
Namibia, an emerging producer of green hydrogen and ammonia, is committed to contributing to the decarbonization of maritime transport and addressing climate change. Actively participating in discussions on the 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Strategy, Namibia advocates for regulatory certainty and incentives that support early investments in green fuels, bridging the price gap between fossil and green fuels. This ensures demand for Namibian-produced green hydrogen and ammonia, aligning maritime transport with the global temperature goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.
Supporting the Welfare of Seafarers
Recognizing the critical role of seafarers and the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Namibia advocates for a robust system that ensures seafarers remain essential workers in future global emergencies. This includes guaranteeing access to shore leave and essential medical care, underscoring Namibia's commitment to the welfare of those crucial to maritime transport.
Promoting Diversity in the Maritime Sector
With women constituting only 1.2% of the global seafarer workforce and 29% of the overall maritime workforce, Namibia, as a member of the IMO’s Gender Equality Network (IMOGEN), supports global efforts towards greater diversity and inclusion. Namibia also advocates for increased geographical diversity within IMO, IOPC Funds, WMU, and IMLI, particularly for Africans, fostering a more inclusive and representative maritime sector.
