Dr. Rosalie Balkin, Secretary-General of the Comité Maritime International (CMI), was presented with the prestigious International Maritime Prize at the annual IMO Awards Ceremony, held in London on Monday. The award recognizes Dr. Balkin’s extraordinary five-decade career and her significant contributions to the advancement of international maritime law and global shipping standards.
Dr. Balkin was nominated for the honour by the Government of Australia and received the silver dolphin trophy from IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez. The ceremony followed the first day of the 34th session of the IMO Assembly, taking place from 24 November to 3 December 2025.
In presenting the award, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez commended Dr. Balkin’s monumental career, which has included breaking new ground for women in the maritime sector. Dr. Balkin is the first woman to lead the CMI—the world’s oldest organization dedicated to unifying international maritime law, founded in 1897—as its Secretary-General.
Mr. Dominguez stated: “Dr. Balkin’s life’s work reflects an exceptional combination of excellence, integrity, and a firm commitment to advancing the global maritime community. Her pioneering roles and enduring impact on maritime law and governance make her a profoundly deserving recipient of the International Maritime Prize.”
Accepting the Prize, Dr. Balkin reflected on her career: ”May I say how very proud and lucky I feel to have been given the opportunity to participate in the work of IMO and its related organisations. It is indeed a wondrous thing to be so richly rewarded for doing the work I still love to do.”
Dr. Balkin’s distinguished service at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) included several historic appointments. She was the first woman appointed Director of the Legal Affairs and External Relations Division (1998-2013) and later the first female Assistant Secretary-General (2011-2013).
During her tenure, she oversaw several landmark diplomatic conferences that led to the adoption of critical international conventions, strengthening global regimes for maritime safety, pollution liability, wreck removal, and passenger protection. Notable conventions adopted under her guidance include:
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The 2007 Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks.
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The 2010 International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea.
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The 2002 Athens Convention on the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea.
Dr. Balkin’s influence extends across international law and academia. She has held positions at prestigious universities in South Africa, Australia, and the United Kingdom. She is a prolific publisher in public international law and was Academic Coordinator of The IMLI Treatise on Global Ocean Governance, Vol III: IMO and Global Ocean Governance. She also serves as Ethics Officer to the President of the World Maritime University (WMU).
In her nominating country, Australia, Dr. Balkin has held senior public service roles, including leading the Australian delegation to the IMO Legal Committee. She was honoured as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2018 for her distinguished service.
Furthermore, Dr. Balkin is a founding member of the Advisory Group of Seafarers’ Rights International, underscoring her commitment to the fair treatment and legal protection of seafarers worldwide.
The IMO Awards Ceremony also honoured seafarers for exceptional bravery at sea.
