INTELLIGENCE FILE · REGULATION
IMO & Regulation
IMO policy, emissions rules, safety standards, compliance, regional regulation and shipping decarbonisation.
3updates · 7d
12updates · 30d
1analysis pieces
6key entities
LATEST VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
IAPH and IHMA launch Port Call Optimization Guide at IMO
The new guide promotes harmonized electronic exchange of nautical and operational data to support safer, more predictable and sustainable port calls. Its data sets have been tested in port-to-port trials.
EXECUTIVE SNAPSHOT
Key developments
27 Aug 2026Freight Buyers Face Higher Complexity if IMO Net-Zero Vote FailsEnvironment & IMO →26 Aug 2026IMO expands Port State Control data exchange with Black Sea and Caribbean agreementsMaritime Law & Regulation →25 Aug 2026IMO urges action as piracy resurges in Gulf of AdenMaritime Law & Regulation →18 Aug 2026IMO advances possible net-zero framework for international shippingEnvironment & IMO →18 Aug 2026IMO Adopts First Global Safety Code for Autonomous ShipsMaritime Law & Regulation →
STORY TIMELINE
How the story evolved
IMPACT · relevance 27IAPH and IHMA launch Port Call Optimization Guide at IMOThe new guide promotes harmonized electronic exchange of nautical and operational data to support safer, more predictable and sustainable port calls. Its data sets have been tested in port-to-port trials.
ANALYSIS · KEY · relevance 46Freight Buyers Face Higher Complexity if IMO Net-Zero Vote FailsBaxter Freight’s Tom Isler argues that freight buyers, rather than only shipowners, have a direct stake in the IMO Net-Zero Framework vote, as failure could accelerate a patchwork of regional carbon schemes and less transparent surcharges.
CORE · KEY · relevance 41IMO expands Port State Control data exchange with Black Sea and Caribbean agreementsIMO has signed updated data-exchange agreements with the Black Sea and Caribbean Port State Control regimes, advancing plans for a global database designed to improve inspection-data sharing, transparency and risk-based planning.
CORE · KEY · relevance 41IMO urges action as piracy resurges in Gulf of AdenIMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called for the immediate and unconditional release of more than 90 seafarers held captive, warning that piracy and armed robbery are making the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters increasingly dangerous.
IMPACT · relevance 32UGS calls for realistic global framework on shipping decarbonisationUnion of Greek Shipowners President Melina Travlos has urged IMO Member States to pursue a practical and globally supported approach to maritime decarbonisation, highlighting fuel availability, affordability and vessel energy efficiency ahead of ISWG-GHG 22 and MEPC 85.
IMPACT · relevance 36IMO condemns fatal attack on tanker Settebello near Strait of HormuzIMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has condemned the attack on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello off Oman, which reportedly caused an onboard fire and killed three seafarers. The IMO has called for a full and transparent investigation.
CORE · relevance 41IMO condemns deadly attack on cargo ship TIHAMAH off YemenIMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has condemned the attack on the cargo ship TIHAMAH off Al Mokha, Yemen, which resulted in several confirmed seafarer deaths. He urged operators to assess transit risks and follow appropriate best management practices.
CORE · KEY · relevance 74IMO advances possible net-zero framework for international shippingMEPC 81 agreed on a possible outline for an IMO net-zero framework combining a global marine fuel standard with an economic mechanism for greenhouse gas emissions. The outline will support negotiations on measures intended to deliver the targets of the IMO’s 2023 GHG strategy.
CORE · KEY · relevance 42IMO Adopts First Global Safety Code for Autonomous ShipsThe IMO has adopted a non-mandatory safety framework for AI-enabled, remotely operated and autonomous cargo ships. The MASS Code will take effect on 1 July 2026, ahead of planned work on binding requirements under SOLAS.
CORE · relevance 41IMO Council Calls for Unimpeded Navigation Through Strait of HormuzThe IMO Council has reaffirmed freedom of navigation and transit passage through international straits, while condemning attacks on civilian commercial ships around the Strait of Hormuz and urging regional de-escalation.
CORE · relevance 41IMO condemns attacks on merchant ships in Black Sea and Sea of AzovIMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has condemned a recent series of attacks on civilian merchant vessels in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, calling on parties to geopolitical conflicts to protect seafarers, respect international law and safeguard freedom of navigation.
IMPACT · relevance 36Bulk Carrier W-Sapphire Remains Afloat After Baltimore Harbor ExplosionThe US Coast Guard and local responders are assisting the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier W-Sapphire following an explosion in Baltimore Harbor. No injuries have been reported, while the cause remains under investigation.