INTERPORTPOLICE at IMO Assembly, November 2025

INTERPORTPOLICE participated in the 34th session of International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s biennial Assembly (A34), held at the IMO Headquarters in London from Monday, 24 November to Wednesday, 3 December 2025. The Assembly sets the agenda for the IMO’s work going forward. In addition to electing the Council, the Assembly sets the policy and agenda for the upcoming biennium. Specific agenda items of interest to INTERPORTPOLICE members included the reports of the Maritime Safety and Facilitation Committees, in which we actively participate; the IMO strategic plan; and the updated technical cooperation strategy. As an organization in consultative status at IMO, INTERPORTPOLICE provides technical advice to Member States on matters relating to port and maritime security and wider border controls. A34 outcomes included the adoption of a new IMO Capacity Development Strategy (resolution A.1205(34)) that establishes a streamlined framework to support all Member States - particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) - in implementing IMO regulations through strengthened national maritime policies and strategies that boost economic growth while protecting the marine environment and promoting sustainable shipping. The Assembly also adopted the revised Strategic Plan for the six-year period 2024 to 2029 (resolution A.1196(34)) including the mission statement, vision statement, overarching principles and strategic directions (SD) and updates to the 2026-2027 work programme of IMO organs and the table of performance indicators. Of particular interest to INTERPORTPOLICE are: SD 1: Ensure implementation of IMO instruments supported by capacity development SD 2: Integrate new, emerging and advancing technologies in the regulatory framework SD 5: Enhance global facilitation, supply chain resilience and security of international trade