Jamaica marks 50 years at IMO with call for island states to shape future
(Posted on 22/05/26)
The Maritime Authority of Jamaica has marked Jamaica’s 50th anniversary as a member of the International Maritime Organization with a call for Small Island Developing States to be fully represented in decisions shaping the next generation of global shipping rules, particularly as the IMO continues climate negotiations following its 2023 Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Strategy.
The anniversary was commemorated at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in Kingston under the theme “Jamaica and the IMO: 50 Years Advancing Safe, Secure and Sustainable Shipping”. Jamaica lodged its Instrument of Acceptance to the IMO Convention on May 11, 1976, and has since played an active role in international maritime governance.
For Jamaica, the stakes are national as well as international. More than 80 percent of its imports and exports move by sea, including energy supplies, motor vehicles, essential commodities and raw materials, while its marine territory is almost 24 times the size of its landmass. Safe shipping, secure supply chains and clean oceans are therefore central to the country’s economic resilience, disaster response and long term development.
Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, said: “For small-island developing states, and particularly for Jamaica, whose marine territory is almost twenty-four times its landmass, maritime affairs are not peripheral, they are existential.”
Permanent Secretary Kedesha Campbell Rochester, who delivered the official message on behalf of the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, highlighted the strategic importance of the maritime sector to Jamaica’s economy and said the country’s commitment to internationally accepted maritime standards is reflected in the ongoing revision of the National Transport Policy.
Jamaica’s 50 years at the IMO have been supported by major national reforms, including the passage of the Shipping Act in 1998, the establishment of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica and the strengthening of the country’s flag, port, coastal and seafarer supply obligations. The country also hosts the Secretariats of the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control and the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean, supporting regional oversight, capacity building and inclusion.
The anniversary coincides with the Maritime Authority of Jamaica’s 25th year of service and highlighted the contribution of the Caribbean Maritime University, the only IMO recognised maritime training institution in the English speaking Caribbean. The ceremony also recognised Rear Admiral Peter Brady for his distinguished service to Jamaica’s maritime sector and marked the visit of the M/V Fortescue Green Pioneer, described at the event as the world’s first ammonia fuelled vessel.
Jamaica was first elected to the IMO Council in 2007 and has been returned for every subsequent biennium except 2017. At the November 2025 IMO Assembly elections, Jamaica secured 129 votes, the highest result in its Council election history, underscoring its standing as a representative voice for Caribbean and Small Island Developing State interests at the IMO.
Bertrand Smith, Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, said: “Jamaica, as a member of the IMO Council will remain committed to the ideals of the IMO and to ensuring that the interest of the Caribbean and SIDS are represented at the IMO.”
Latest News
Posidonia 2026 takes centre stage amid global freedom of navigation challenges
(Posted on 29/05/26)From insurance and risk management to energy transition, digitalisation and maritime security, the Posidonia... Read more
First maritime compliance & prevention-focused organisation, PaS, joins DBCE
(Posted on 29/05/26)Prevention at Sea (PaS), a leading maritime compliance, auditing, and digital solutions provider, has... Read more
NorthStandard reports strong results and strategic momentum
(Posted on 29/05/26)NorthStandard has reported strong financial results, continued strategic progress and enhanced support... Read more
Latest guidance for vessel transit through Strait of Hormuz
(Posted on 25/05/26)Hundreds of vessels remain unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz and, in the event of a return to more... Read more
The Bahamas regains QUALSHIP 21 eligibility
(Posted on 25/05/26)The Bahamas has regained eligibility for the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 programme... Read more
First dedicated STS standard for dry bulk released by INTERCARGO
(Posted on 22/05/26)Ship to ship (STS) transfers are an established part of dry bulk operations, and they are growing. As... Read more
Columbia reinforces commitment to maritime talent
(Posted on 22/05/26)Columbia Group has strengthened its commitment to developing the next generation of maritime professionals... Read more
Costamare Bulkers logs first profit after Cargill deal removes most legacy trading
(Posted on 14/05/26)Costamare Bulkers Holdings Limited has reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended... Read more
NORDEN strengthens fleet with the addition of four Handysize vessels
(Posted on 13/05/26)NORDEN have announced that they have expanded their fleet with the purchase of four dry cargo Handysize... Read more
Fast Lines Belgium names two Damen Combi Freighters in Antwerp
(Posted on 11/05/26)Fast Lines Belgium has held a naming ceremony for two Damen Combi Freighters (CF) 3850 in the Port of... Read more
