The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has officially opened a new Regional Presence Office (RPO) in Suva, Fiji, marking a significant step forward for regional maritime cooperation and capacity building in the Pacific. Hosted by the Government of Fiji and initially located at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) buildings, the office will provide direct support to Pacific nations in implementing global maritime standards and advancing their maritime sectors.
A Hub for Maritime Excellence
The new RPO will serve as a central hub for coordination, knowledge, and technical expertise. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, on his first official mission to the Pacific, emphasized the critical role of shipping and the blue economy for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which heavily depend on maritime transportation.
“This Regional Presence Office will serve as a center of coordination, knowledge, and technical expertise, directly supporting countries and ensuring that the Pacific is part of the shipping evolution,” said Secretary-General Dominguez during the commissioning ceremony. “Pacific SIDS and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have always been a priority for IMO.”
The office will provide a more efficient and centralized approach to technical assistance, building on the Pacific’s existing collaboration with IMO projects, which include initiatives for ocean protection, emissions reduction, seafarer welfare, and digital transformation.
Addressing Regional Challenges
The establishment of the office comes at a crucial time as Pacific nations face unique challenges in their maritime sectors. The Honourable Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Fiji’s Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport, highlighted the importance of this new regional mechanism.
“The establishment of this office, the first of its kind in this region, demonstrates the level of regional engagement and cooperation in strengthening maritime governance, safety, and sustainability,” stated Minister Tuisawau. “The maritime sector in our region faces challenges that require consistent and specialized support… This office provides a regional mechanism to help address these challenges.”
The IMO also encouraged Pacific countries to actively engage with the upcoming IMO Net-Zero Framework, a set of new regulations due to be adopted in October 2025 aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships. The framework will include a mandatory fuel standard and a global GHG pricing system, with revenue directed to a new IMO Net-Zero Fund to support the energy transition.
The Pacific Regional Presence Office is the latest addition to the IMO’s global network, which includes existing offices in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Caribbean. There are 14 IMO Member States in the Pacific Islands region, including 12 SIDS.
