- Global Stakeholders Address Safety and Sustainability in Polar Shipping.
- Seminar Explores Trends and Challenges in Arctic and Antarctic Vessel Activity.
- Polar Waters Training and Pollution Control Take Center Stage at Seminar.
The 2025 Polar Maritime Seminar, jointly organised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Norway’s Chairship of the Arctic Council, concluded today at IMO Headquarters in London. This event was arranged under the auspices of the Working Group on the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment of the Arctic Council, reports IMO.
International Participation
The seminar had over 200 participants from nearly 100 countries and organizations attending the two-day discussion on enhancing safety and sustainability in Arctic and Antarctic shipping.
Important Issues Discussed
The seminar agenda covered several important issues, including:
- Current developments in Polar shipping
- Trend of vessel activities in the Arctic and Antarctic
- Voyage planning and search-and-rescue operations
- Training in Polar waters and measures for pollution control
Insights from Key Stakeholders
Ms. Heike Deggim, Director of the Marine Environment Division at IMO, highlighted the seminar’s achievements: “Building on the success of the 2022 Polar Maritime Seminar, which resulted in deepened cross-collaboration between both Polar Regions, this seminar has been a huge success. The seminar highlighted very important issues for the safety of life at sea, and the protection of the Polar Regions’ pristine environment, and in respect of the Arctic and its people.”
She emphasized the critical partnership with the Arctic Council, especially Norway and the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment Working Group, to address these challenges.
Remarks by Ms. Siv Christin Gaalaas
Ms Siv Christin Gaalaas, Specialist Director of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries, underscored the responsibility of coastal and flag states to protect Polar regions: “It is our obligation as responsible coastal and flag states to balance the opportunities the oceans provide us with and at the same time protect the marine environment in the vulnerable Polar areas. Promoting safe and sustainable shipping in Polar areas is a challenge we must continue to meet collectively and collaboratively through effective international cooperation.”
She further noted the value of the seminar as a platform for sharing best practices and advancing collaborative efforts: “The Polar Maritime Seminar has proved to be an exceptional platform for relevant stakeholders to come together to share experiences and best practices, and advance safe and sustainable shipping in Polar areas.”
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Source: IMO
