The 76th session of the Technical Cooperation Committee (TC 76) was held from 8th to 12th June 2026 at the IMO Headquarters in London. The highlights of the meetings are as follows:

1. Approved the IMO Capacity Development Strategy Implementation Plan and Strengthening of Results-Based Management.
TC 76 has approved a new Implementation Plan for the IMO Capacity Development Strategy, placing greater emphasis on performance monitoring and on delivering measurable outcomes. Building upon the strategy adopted at TC 75, the Plan sets out training activities, regional outreach initiatives, partnerships, and targeted assistance programmes. It is structured around 11 thematic programmes designed to support Member States in the implementation of IMO instruments.
The Implementation Plan will be driven by the needs and priorities of Member States, taking into account direct requests for assistance, audit findings, regional assessments, and emerging maritime challenges. Particular attention will be given to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The Plan introduces a strengthened results-based management approach, including the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and monitoring tools, while utilizing programme evaluations, audit outcomes, and digital platforms to enhance transparency and accountability.
The Committee supported the continued development of programme-level KPIs and invited the Secretariat to report further progress to future sessions.

2. Advancing the Digital Transformation of IMO Technical Assistance to Enhance Transparency and Information Sharing.
TC 76 has endorsed the continued development of digital tools and platforms to enhance the effectiveness of IMO technical cooperation activities and to promote greater transparency and data sharing. These digital tools include the IMO Technical Cooperation Portal (TC Portal), which incorporates the Technical Cooperation Dashboard (TC Dashboard) and the Technical Cooperation Request Management System (TC Request Management System).
The Committee welcomed the Secretariat’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the institutional framework supporting the delivery of technical cooperation programmes. These efforts include further development of digital tools and monitoring and evaluation systems, and revision of the Technical Cooperation Manual (TC Manual) to support the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of IMO technical cooperation activities.

3. Strengthening the Regional Presence Scheme to Align Regional Priorities with National Needs.
TC 76 emphasized the important role of the IMO’s “Regional Presence Scheme” in supporting the delivery of technical cooperation activities and enhancing engagement with Member States at both the regional and national levels. Under this scheme, Regional Coordinators are deployed in developing regions to provide proactive front-line support and assist Member States in implementing IMO standards and regulations.
Member States called for a stronger and more visible regional presence, while stressing that technical cooperation activities should be more closely aligned with regional priorities, audit findings, and national needs.
The Committee noted that regional forums, including the Asia-Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies Forum (APHoMSA), the Conference of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA), and the Meeting of Directors and Heads of Maritime Administrations for the Caribbean (DIHMAR), can serve as valuable platforms for regional dialogue and provide useful inputs for the development and delivery of technical cooperation activities.

4. Progress Report on the 2025 Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP): 72% Implementation Rate and Continued Delivery of Training Activities. 
TC 76 reviewed the implementation progress of the IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) for 2025. It noted that, of the 163 technical cooperation activities originally planned for the year, 118 activities had been completed, representing an implementation rate of 72%.
These activities included 70 training courses and workshops, through which 1,766 participants received training. In addition, 22 fellows successfully completed scholarship programmes at the World Maritime University (WMU) and the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), while 154 government officials participated in various technical cooperation activities.
The Committee supported targeted initiatives aimed at improving domestic ferry safety, strengthening maritime training and capacity-building, and addressing maritime fraud and fraudulent ship registration practices. It also emphasized the need to provide tailored assistance to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to address their specific capacity-building requirements and implementation challenges.

5. Formal Recognition of the Women in Maritime Associations (WIMA) Network and Advancement of Gender Equality in the Maritime Sector. 
TC 76 welcomed ongoing efforts to strengthen and support the Women in Maritime Associations (WIMA) Network, recognizing it as an important platform for promoting women's participation and leadership in the maritime sector. The Committee also approved the formal recognition of the WIMA Network within the IMO Technical Cooperation Programme, thereby reinforcing its role in supporting gender equality and capacity development across the maritime industry.
The WIMA Network, established by the IMO, is a professional network aimed at addressing gender disparities in the maritime sector. At present, there are eight regional WIMAs worldwide, representing approximately 152 countries across Africa, the Arab States, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Pacific. The Committee encouraged Member States to strengthen cooperation and engagement with their respective WIMA organizations.
Further welcomed the continued implementation of the IMO’s Gender Equality Marker (GEM) Framework, which supports the integration and monitoring of gender equality considerations throughout technical cooperation activities. The Committee requested the Secretariat to explore the development of gender-responsive funding benchmarks for consideration at future sessions, with a view to further mainstreaming gender equality within IMO capacity-development programmes.
In addition, the Committee advanced preparations for the next Global Maritime Gender Survey, which is scheduled to be launched in 2027 and will be jointly conducted by the IMO and the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International). Drawing on information provided by IMO Member States and private-sector stakeholders, the survey provides valuable insights into gender diversity and representation across the maritime sector.
Member States have been invited to review the survey questionnaire and submit comments or proposed amendments to the Secretariat by 31 December 2026. The next survey is scheduled to be launched on 18 May 2027. To support participation, the IMO will organize workshops and outreach activities in 2027 for Member State focal points and industry representatives.

References:
1. International Maritime Organization (IMO), Technical Cooperation Committee - 76th session (TC 76), 8-12 June 2026. https://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/meetingsummaries/pages/tc-76th-session.aspx