Implementation of MARPOL Annex V & the London Protocol, and technical cooperation support in the Asia and Pacific Islands region for regulating the dumping of waste into the ocean, and IMO’s OceanLitter Programme

IMO has updated members of the Asia and Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies (APHoMSA) on ongoing regional activities, including regulatory updates, during the annual APHoMSA meeting, which took place in Honiara, Solomon Islands (14-16 April).

The meeting brought together representatives from 20 countries and six observer organizations from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss topics including women in maritime, safety at sea and seafarer welfare, marine environment protection, maritime incident response, and improving regional cooperation.

Launch of the Regional Presence Office for the Pacific (in Fiji )

In his opening remarks via recorded message, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez reflected on the launch of the Regional Presence Office for the Pacific (in Fiji) as a centre of coordination, knowledge, and technical expertise, directly supporting the Pacific Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The Secretary-General also highlighted the critical role of the APHOMSA in translating policy into practical action and turning global commitments into real outcomes that complement IMO's ongoing work.

Updates on marine environment protection

IMO’s Ms. Jean Ver Pia, Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division, provided updates on marine environment protection and technical cooperation support in the region.

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This included support for the ratification and implementation of MARPOL Annex V & the London Protocol, and technical cooperation support in the Asia and Pacific Islands region for regulating dumping of waste into the ocean and IMO’s OceanLitter Programme. Key details included the development of national action plans on marine plastic litter from ships; legal reforms, enhancing port state control; and advancing the expertise of the key national authorities involved in the decision-making and management of sea-based marine plastic litter at a national and regional level.

Update the IMO (ITCP)

Ms. Ver Pia provided an update on developments under the IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) thematic restructuring, improvements to the TC Request Management System and the TC Dashboard, and encouraged APHOMSA Members to promote the 2026-2027 World Maritime Day Theme: “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence” in the implementation of their activities.

Reflected on the Middle East crisis

In his opening remarks, the Chair, Mr. Thierry Nervale, Director, Solomon Islands Maritime Authority, reflected on the Middle East crisis and the impact on the Pacific region and invited APHoMSA members to support the call of the IMO Secretary-General on all Parties to respect the rights and freedoms of navigation and the paramount importance of protecting the safety and well-being of seafarers.

The full APHoMSA outcome statement will be available here in due course.

The 26th session of APHoMSA will be hosted by Canada in Vancouver in 2027.

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