2025 Polar Maritime Seminar

The main topics on the provisional agenda at present include trends in Arctic and Antarctic vessel activity, voyage planning, the PAME project 'Review of the Polar Operational Limit Assessment Risk Indexing System (POLARIS)', search and rescue, training of seafarers for polar operations, and fishing vessel safety. Also on the provisional agenda are important topics concerning pollution prevention, preparedness and response including, measure to reduce underwater radiated noise from shipping, the behaviour of low sulphur fuels in cold water conditions, black carbon from ships, plastics pollution, arrangements for port reception facilities, and issues surrounding invasive species.

Please find more information in Circular letter No.4934 of 24 October 2024.

The seminar builds on the success of the previous seminar in 2022, when IMO and The Nautical Institute convened a Polar Maritime Seminar working closely with Arctic States and Antarctic States, together with other interested parties, with a particular focus on International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code), as well as fishing vessel safety.

IMO as an active Observer of the Arctic Council has continued to contribute to the work of the Arctic Council and has recognized the importance of cross–collaboration with the Antarctic.

Agenda

Please find the latest Provisional Agenda here.