Global Maritime Leaders Convene in London for IMO 34th Assembly, 24 November–3 December 2025
Nov 25, 2025



PHOTO: IMO

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has officially opened the 34th Session of the IMO Assembly, bringing together 176 Member States, three Associate Members, and observers from international organizations to discuss key maritime priorities for the next two years.

Held from 24 November to 3 December 2025 at IMO Headquarters in London, the Assembly serves as the organization’s highest governing body and convenes biennially. The meeting is preceded by the 135th Session of the IMO Council.

This year’s Assembly centers on several high-impact agenda items, including the adoption of the revised IMO Strategic Plan for 2024–2029, approval of the biennial budget and work programme for 2026–2027, and extensive discussions on safety, environmental, and regulatory matters affecting global shipping.

Key resolutions expected to be adopted include:

●IMO Capacity Development Strategy 2025
●Updated Procedures for Port State Control
●Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2025
●Revised non-exhaustive list of obligations relevant to the III Code
●Code on Alerts and Indicators, 2025
●Updated criteria for mobile satellite communication systems under the GMDSS
●Guidelines on charges for distress, urgency, and safety communications
●Proposal on the progressive use of Arabic as an IMO working language
●Criteria for live-streaming Assembly plenary sessions

A highlight of the event is the election of the 40-Member IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, scheduled for 28 November 2025. The Council election is widely regarded as a key indicator of international influence and maritime capability among IMO Member States.

ADVERTISEMENT

Throughout the session, delegates are expected to address issues related to global maritime safety, environmental protection, seafarer welfare, and digitalization critical themes in the post-pandemic maritime landscape.

Decisions made during Assembly 34 will shape the IMO’s strategic direction and regulatory priorities for the coming years, significantly impacting shipping nations, seafarers, manning agencies, training centers, and maritime regulators worldwide.

PHOTO COURTESY: MARINA

Meanwhile, the Philippines participated in the IMO Assembly, headed by MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan, reaffirming the nation’s strong commitment to global maritime cooperation. Representing one of the world’s largest seafaring communities, the delegation engaged in key discussions to strengthen partnerships, advance training standards, and support the welfare and global mobility of Filipino seafarers.

RELATED FEATURES VIEW MORE...

Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global 2025

MARINO PH is honored to serve as an official media partner for the Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global 2025, a premier international event dedicated to advancing the crewing and maritime sectors. Happening on November 11–13, 2025, at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, this year’s conference will gather influential leaders, shipowners, crewing managers, maritime educators, and policy makers to exchange ideas and explore solutions to the industry’s evolving challenges.

Sailing Through Spooks: A Halloween Message from Marino PH

Marino PH invites you all to Halloween like no other! As our ships cross eerie waters and the moon lights up the waves, let’s embrace the spooky season with the bravery of true seafarers. Watch out for ghost ships drifting in the mist, and beware of skeleton crews waiting in the shadows! But no fear, our community stands strong whether on land or at sea. Wishing all our seafarers and their loved ones a frightfully fun and safe Halloween voyage. Share your spookiest seafaring stories with us!

SAFETY4SEA SINGAPORE FORUM 2025

The 5th SAFETY4SEA Singapore Forum concluded successfully at The Westin Singapore, bringing together shipowners, maritime leaders, regulators, training institutions, and manning agencies to discuss how safety, welfare, and future skills will define the next era of global shipping. A central theme was the industry’s ongoing shift from compliance-based safety to a culture-driven approach. Speakers emphasized that true safety goes beyond certificates, drills, and manuals — it lies in mindset, leadership, accountability, and daily decision-making onboard. Despite technological advancements, human factors such as fatigue, miscommunication, outdated practices, and poor leadership remain leading causes of maritime incidents.

SAFETY4SEA Singapore Forum 2025

Singapore once again becomes a key gathering point for maritime professionals as the 5th SAFETY4SEA Singapore Forum takes place on 22 October 2025 at The Westin Singapore. Organized in association with MacGregor and SQE Marine, this forum remains a free and non-profit event, providing an independent platform for industry stakeholders to exchange knowledge, address pressing challenges and strengthen the culture of safety and sustainability across global shipping. More than 200 maritime professionals and representatives from over 100 organizations are expected to attend. The forum will explore how evolving safety and environmental regulations are reshaping industry responsibilities and operational standards. Particular attention will be given to the human element in shipping, including crew welfare, mental health, competency development and the critical role of training in risk prevention. Another major focus will be on decarbonization strategies and the adoption of smart technologies, including digital tools, data-driven decision making and best practices that enhance shipboard and shoreside operations. Discussions aim to bridge regulatory expectations with practical implementation while promoting collaboration among shipowners, managers, policymakers, insurers, educators and technology providers.


Marino PH Logo

MARINO PH

The largest maritime community in the Philippines
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.


CONTACT INFORMATION

+63 (02) 8743 5810
customercare@marinoph.com
Agoncillo Building, 1580 Taft Ave, Ermita, Manila City, 1000 Metro Manila