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Dr Rosalie Balkin has received the prestigious International Maritime Prize for her exceptional contributions to global maritime law.
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She is the first woman to lead the Comité Maritime International (CMI) and has played key roles in several major IMO conventions.
- Her five-decade career spans academia, IMO leadership, and strong support for seafarers’ rights and global maritime governance.
As reported by the IMO (International Maritime Organisation), Dr Rosalie Balkin, Secretary-General of the Comité Maritime International (CMI), has been honoured with the International Maritime Prize, as reported by IMO. The award was presented during the IMO Awards Ceremony in London on 24 November 2025, following the opening day of the 34th IMO Assembly.
Recognising a Trailblazing Maritime Leader
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez presented Dr Balkin with the silver dolphin trophy, praising her five-decade career marked by excellence, integrity, and a deep commitment to the maritime community.
She is the first woman to lead the CMI since its founding in 1897, breaking significant ground in global maritime law.
Dr Balkin expressed gratitude, saying she feels “proud and lucky” to contribute to the work of IMO and its related organisations — work she still loves doing.
Academic Foundations and Global Influence
Dr Balkin began her career in academia, teaching at universities across South Africa, Australia, and the UK, including Wits University, Melbourne University, UNSW, and Cambridge.
She has written extensively in international law and co-authored The Law of Torts, now in its 6th edition. She also coordinated the IMO volume of The IMLI Treatise on Global Ocean Governance.
She has served twice on the Board of Governors of the World Maritime University (WMU) and is currently the institution’s Ethics Officer.
Major Contributions at IMO
Dr Balkin became the first woman to serve as IMO’s Director of Legal Affairs and External Relations (1998–2013), and later the first female Assistant Secretary-General (2011–2013).
Under her leadership, several important maritime conventions were adopted, including:
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2001 Bunker Oil Pollution Damage Convention
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2002 Athens Convention on Passenger and Luggage Carriage
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2003 Supplementary Fund Protocol
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2005 SUA Convention and Platform Safety Protocol
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2007 Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention
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2010 HNS Liability and Compensation Convention
She also played a key role in dissolving the 1971 IOPC Fund, helping strengthen the global compensation framework.
Commitment to Australia’s Maritime Sector
In Australia, Dr. Balkin held senior roles such as Primary Legal Adviser to the Commonwealth Ombudsman and Assistant Secretary in the Attorney-General’s Department.
She led delegations to IMO’s Legal Committee and served as its Vice Chair in 1993.
From 2018 to 2021, she was a Board Member of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
In 2018, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her contribution to maritime law and education.
Support for Seafarers and Maritime Rights
Dr Balkin is a founding member of the Advisory Group of Seafarers’ Rights International, working to protect the legal rights and fair treatment of seafarers worldwide.
A Well-Deserved Honour
The International Maritime Prize is awarded annually by IMO to recognise outstanding contributions to the organisation’s goals.
Dr Balkin’s lifelong dedication to maritime law, global safety frameworks, and seafarer welfare makes her a fitting recipient of this prestigious award.
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Source: IMO
