The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for technical matters related to shipping. The organization’s headquarters are located in London.
IMO primarily deals with issues concerning maritime safety, the prevention of marine pollution, legal matters related to shipping, and the provision of technical assistance to developing countries in the maritime sector. The organization began its operations in 1958 and currently has 164 member states.
The IMO Assembly meets every two years. In addition, the organization has a Council and two main technical committees: the Maritime Safety Committee and the Marine Environment Protection Committee. Other key bodies include the Legal Committee, which addresses legal matters, and the Technical Cooperation Committee. In addition to these, the organization has numerous technical sub-committees that prepare various technical issues, primarily for further consideration by the Maritime Safety Committee.
More information: www.imo.org