The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has officially launched an ambitious two-year global initiative under the theme for 2026-2027: “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” The campaign, unveiled by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, marks a strategic pivot from the legislative chambers to the front lines of the maritime industry. The initiative aims to ensure that the global regulatory frameworks developed by the IMO are not just signed on paper, but effectively implemented on every deck and in every port worldwide.
In a video message marking the launch, Secretary-General Dominguez emphasized that the success of maritime regulation is measured by its impact on people—from seafarers and port operators to ship recycling workers. “To make the maritime industry truly sustainable, we must ensure these high standards are felt in every port and on every deck—not selectively, not unevenly, but globally,” said Secretary-General Dominguez. “IMO is committed to powering this transition through technical cooperation and direct support.”
The initiative is a direct response to findings from the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), which have identified persistent gaps in national laws and enforcement. These inconsistencies create “weak links” in the global supply chain, increasing risks to safety and the marine environment.
To address these vulnerabilities, the 2026-2027 theme focuses on nine strategic pillars:
| Pillar | Focus Area |
| Capacity & Cooperation | Boosting national legislative and enforcement frameworks through training. |
| SIDS & LDCs Support | Tailored legal and technical assistance for Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries. |
| Safety through Innovation | Translating automation and digitalization standards into daily operational training. |
| Decarbonization Readiness | Equipping states to meet GHG reduction strategies within operational realities. |
| Fighting Maritime Fraud | Strengthening due diligence and data-sharing to prevent fraudulent ship registration. |
| Audit-Driven Reform | Using IMSAS findings to prioritize national legal reforms and oversight. |
| Digital Resilience | Embedding Maritime Single Windows and digital systems into daily port operations. |
| Cybersecurity | Integrating cyber risk management into standard safety management systems. |
| Ocean Protection | Implementing environmental laws regarding plastics, noise, and invasive species. |
The IMO Secretariat will roll out a comprehensive two-year action plan featuring global events, partnership programs, and knowledge products. Member States and observer organizations are encouraged to spearhead their own activities and share outcomes using the hashtags #WorldMaritimeDay and #MaritimePolicytoPractice.
“Let us move beyond the conference room and turn our collective decisions into real-world results that benefit everyone,” concluded Dominguez. “It is time to move decisively from policy to practice.”
