6 December 2012: On recent official missions, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary General Koji Sekimizu has highlighted priority issues on IMO’s agenda, especially its efforts to establish a new international legal instrument through the Polar Code, and its commitment to sustainable maritime development.

The International Code of Safety for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) would address matters related to ships operating in the polar region, including for environmental protection, design and construction.

During his visit to Chile’s and the Russian Federation’s bases in Antarctica, Sekimizu highlighted the importance of navigation safety and environmental protection.

On a visit to Valparaíso, Chile, on 5 December 2012, Sekimizu highlighted IMO’s activity related to sustainable maritime development in reference to the outcomes of both the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, Rio +20) and the 2012 World Fair in Yeosu, Republic of Korea. [IMO Press Release] [Blog of IMO Secretary-General] [IMO Media Centre]