Hot Topics

FAQ - Plastic pellets

This page provides information about the transport of plastic pellets by sea.

Safe shipping in polar waters

The Polar Code provides for safe ship operation in polar waters and the protection of the polar environment. The Code addresses the unique risks present in polar waters that are not covered by other instruments  entered into force on 1 January 2017.

Noise on and from ships

Ship noise can have negative impacts – on both humans and marine life.

Women in Maritime - IMO's gender programme

Safety and environmental standards on passenger ships

Passenger ships on international voyages must comply with IMO standards on safety. And all passenger ships must comply with MARPOL rules to prevent pollution from ships. IMO is also working with countries to boost safety standards on non-SOLAS passenger ships. 

Recycling of ships and the Hong Kong Convention

The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (the Hong Kong Convention) will enter into force on 26 June 2025. Find out how it will ensure that ships at the end of their operational lives are recycled safely and without posing unnecessary risks to human health and the environment.

FAQ - EEXI and CII - ship carbon intensity and rating system

From 1 January 2023 it is mandatory for all ships to calculate their attained Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) to measure their energy efficiency and to initiate the collection of data for the reporting of their annual operational carbon intensity indicator (CII) and CII rating. Read the Frequently Asked Questions.

FSO SAFER: Ship-to-ship transfer of oil completed

A United Nations-coordinated plan aims to address the threat posed by the deteriorating floating storage and offloading unit FSO SAFER, which is moored off the coast of Yemen. IMO is supporting the contingency planning efforts aimed at enhancing preparedness to mitigate the environmental impacts of a potential spill.