IMO held the 34th session of the Assembly from 24th November to 3rd December 2025 at IMO Headquarters in London. A 34 meeting highlights are as follows:
1. Approved the revised IMO Strategic Plan for 2024–2029, which clearly sets safety, security, environmental protection, climate change, emerging technologies, the human element, and supply chain resilience as its core governance priorities, and introduces performance indicators alongside an outcomes-based management mechanism.
3. The 2025 Non-exhaustive list of obligations under instruments relevant to the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code) was adopted to expand the auditable scope for Member States, incorporating implementation provisions relating to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), port reception facilities for wastes, and oversight of companies conducting hull structural thickness measurements, among other areas. The effective date is 3rd December 2025.
4. The GMDSS-related resolutions were amended to formally incorporate non-geostationary satellite communication systems, and the associated recognition standards and fee structure were adjusted to ensure the technological neutrality and future applicability of the global distress and safety communications framework.
5. Finalized a number of organizational and administrative governance resolutions, including the Integrated IMO Identification Number Scheme, the adoption of the 2026–2027 results-based budget, and adjustments to internal operating rules, thereby continuing to advance institutional modernization and enhance governance efficiency.
References:
1. Lloyd's Register (LR), A 34 Summary Report. https://maritime.lr.org/Assembly-34-Summary-Report
2. IMO, Assembly, 34th session, 24 November to 3 December 2025. https://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/meetingsummaries/pages/assembly-34th-session.aspx