IMO Update: Assembly 32

The 32nd session of the IMO Assembly (A 32), the highest governing body of the IMO, was held remotely from 6 to 15 December 2021. The Assembly elected 40 member states for the Council for the next biennium, added the human element as a new strategic direction for the IMO, and adopted updated port state guidelines and harmonized survey guidelines.

The World Maritime Theme for 2021, «Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future»

IMO has chosen to make 2021 a year of action for seafarers, who are facing unprecedented hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite their vital role as key workers for global supply chains.
The World Maritime Theme for 2021, «Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future» seeks to increase the visibility of seafarers by drawing attention to the invaluable role they play now and will continue to play in the future.