IMO boosts enforcement measures for member states to tackle shadow fleets and compliance gaps in maritime regulations.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has decided to increase its inspection and technical support efforts aimed at member states to strengthen the enforcement of international maritime regulations. The organization draws attention to the growing enforcement gap due to the 'shadow fleet' created by tankers that violate sanctions.
The IMO is launching a new campaign to enhance coordination between flag state and port state authorities and to ensure that more countries are able to enforce international regulations. The organization emphasizes that the reliability of the global maritime order largely depends on the implementation of rules in the field.
Recently, the 'shadow fleet,' particularly composed of tankers that violate sanctions, has made the gap between policy and practice in the maritime sector visible. The IMO does not have direct enforcement authority over its rules; the organization relies on inspections by flag states and port states while setting minimum standards for safety and environmental performance.
However, the annual flag rankings of the Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding reveal that the minimum standards in practice vary from country to country. While the IMO cannot punish member states, it can provide guidance to organizations and assess their performance through the inspection system.
On Wednesday, the IMO announced that significant shortcomings in national legislation and practice were identified in some countries during inspections conducted under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).
The statement said, 'These shortcomings weaken regulations and increase the risk of non-compliance and unsafe shipping.'
The organization will focus on member states' compliance with the rules over the next two years. The efforts will include capacity building, technical cooperation, and direct support to countries that need assistance in implementing conventions through existing IMO offices.
Particularly, small island developing states and least developed countries will be prioritized. It is assessed that the risk of non-compliance is higher in these jurisdictions due to open ship registries. IMSAS inspections will also be used to evaluate countries and encourage improvements.
The IMO is also planning to take new steps to combat the practice of false ship registration, which means that vessels falsely claim to fly the flag of a country. This practice is particularly common among tankers trying to evade sanctions.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stated, 'To truly make the maritime sector sustainable, we must ensure that these high standards are applied globally, not selectively, in every port and on every deck. The IMO is committed to strengthening this transition through technical cooperation and direct support.'
The IMO will dedicate the next two World Maritime Days to this campaign. Events, social media efforts, and awareness activities will highlight the efforts to close the enforcement gap in international maritime regulations.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
