The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has officially endorsed Mr. Jeffrey G. Lantz as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 International Maritime Prize.
The decision was finalized today during the 137th session of the IMO Council in London. Nominated by the Government of the United States of America, Mr. Lantz is being recognized for a distinguished career spanning more than 50 years as a naval architect, marine engineer, and former United States Coast Guard captain.
In its nomination, the U.S. Coast Guard emphasized Mr. Lantz’s profound technical expertise and more than two decades dedicated to advancing the core mission of the IMO. The nomination stated: “His leadership has been instrumental in the development of landmark IMO regulations and in driving international consensus on complex issues facing the maritime sector.”
Mr. Lantz, who retired in 2025 after achieving the U.S. government’s highest civil service rank, most recently served as the Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards for the U.S. Coast Guard. His academic and professional credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, alongside Master of Science degrees in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Throughout his career, Mr. Lantz was a pivotal figure in shaping global maritime policy. He served as the head of the U.S. delegation to the IMO for over a decade and was elected Chair of the IMO Council, leading the body from 2009 to 2017.
The IMO Council highlighted Mr. Lantz’s extraordinary contributions to maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. He is credited with leading and advancing major international frameworks, including:
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The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code: Overhauling global maritime security and extending regulatory standards to onshore port facilities.
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The International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gaseous Fuels (IGF Code): Fostering innovation by establishing safe frameworks for alternative fuels.
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The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code): Implementation of critical safety and environmental protections for vessels navigating the Arctic and Antarctic.
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Seafarer Welfare and Training: Spearheading the Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention, directly improving training standards, hours of rest, and working conditions for seafarers.
The IMO Council also announced that a Letter of Commendation will be awarded to Rear Admiral Peter Brady. This honor recognizes Rear Admiral Brady’s sustained commitment to capacity-building, regional cooperation, and his significant contributions to developing the maritime sector in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
