Changing climatic conditions are opening up the polar regions to more and more maritime activity. But ships which operate in the harsh Arctic and Antarctic regions are exposed to many unique risks – so their safety, and the protection of the polar environment, have always been a matter of concern for IMO. IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim is visiting Ilulissat, Greenland (25-29 August) to participate in a high-level roundtable on Arctic shipping. It is the first ever visit to Greenland by an IMO Secretary-General.
During his opening remarks, Mr Lim emphasised the need for balanced and sustainable shipping activities in Arctic waters. He added that maritime infrastructure needs to be further developed and that more collaboration is necessary, considering the challenges ships face operating in polar waters. Naalakkersuisoq Karl Frederik Danielsen, Greenland's Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, said that IMO's Polar Code, which stipulates mandatory safety and environmental standards for ships in Polar waters, is an instrument of great importance to Greenland. The event is co-sponsored by the Danish Maritime Authority and the Government of Greenland.