The international meeting of country representatives in Busan, Republic of Korea (October 26-27, 2026) emphasized the need for stronger national actions and international cooperation to ensure the effective implementation of global shipping regulations.
The Role of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of South Korea
This event, jointly organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, aimed to bring together governments, international organizations, industry, and academia to explore practical ways to implement global maritime regulations.
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Challenges Facing the Shipping Industry
During this meeting, discussions focused on supporting countries in facing rapid changes in the industry, such as digitalization, automation, and energy transition, as well as the widespread impacts arising from geopolitical conflicts. Mr. Nam Jae-hun, Deputy Minister of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, emphasized the necessity of international solidarity at the beginning of the event, stating, "These challenges must be addressed collectively. If we unite and seek solutions, we can create a brighter future."
Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, highlighted regulatory milestones achieved in 2026. These include the adoption of a voluntary code for unmanned maritime vessels and advancements in safety guidelines for ships using alternative fuels. Additionally, this year, the IMO completed its first global inspection round, assessing the implementation of maritime regulations in 168 member countries (94% of members).
Secretary-General Dominguez emphasized the importance of the role of individuals working at sea in implementing IMO regulations, stating, "We must always prioritize people, especially seafarers. Behind every ship, every cargo, and every maritime operation are individuals whose safety and dignity must be at the forefront of our attention."
Recommendations for Effective Regulation Implementation
Panel discussions addressed actions that could be taken by governments, international organizations, industry, and academia. These recommendations included holding various sessions to exchange national experiences and best practices in regulation implementation. Ministers from South Korea, Norway, Cyprus, and India shared their national experiences in these sessions, emphasizing that the adoption of international regulations is only the first step and requires strong national laws, capable institutions, appropriate infrastructure, and close cooperation with the industry.
The event concluded with the symbolic handover of the flag of the parallel event of World Maritime Day to the Philippines, which will host the 2027 event.
