Survey and Research
Our Chairperson Mr. Shukuri has met with the IMO Secretary-General (SG).
On September 16, 2025, our Chairperson Mr. Shukuri visited the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London and met with SG Mr. Dominguez. Our Senior Research Fellow Mr. Nomura, Counselor Mr. Nakazawa and First Secretary Mr. Horiuchi from the Japanese Embassy in the UK also attended the meeting.
At the outset, SG Mr. Dominguez expressed his welcome to Mr. Shukuri and his pleasure to meet again since September last year.
Mr. Shukuri commended SG Mr. Dominguez for his leadership to date and expressed his appreciation and expectations regarding the IMO Net Zero Framework, which is expected to be adopted at the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) Extraordinary Session in October. He noted that various proposals from Japan, Europe, and other countries had been compiled into a draft, which had become a well-balanced document through negotiations, and that such a new framework would be essential for global progress. SG Mr. Dominguez fully agreed with Mr. Shukuri and expressed confidence in adoption in October. He added that there were various opinions, with some countries considering the framework insufficient for decarbonization and others claiming adverse impacts, and that challenges will remain until net zero is achieved by 2050, requiring innovation in the industry.
When Mr. Shukuri inquired about the IMO's initiatives regarding ships using so-called decarbonized fuels and its views on autonomous ships, SG Mr. Dominguez stated that the Legal Committee would discuss whether existing mechanisms can cover damage caused by decarbonized fuel ships or whether a new mechanism is needed. Regarding autonomous ships, he mentioned his visit to a Japan Foundation project, noting that while advanced technology supports operations, there are issues of malfunctions and cybersecurity. He explained that the plan is to adopt a voluntary code next year and transition to a mandatory code in three years.
Finally, SG Mr. Dominguez expressed his warm expectations that the upcoming meeting between Mr. Shukuri and President Prof. Mejia from the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden, following his visit to London, would be a fruitful and meaningful exchange, as Prof. Mejia is always proactive and forward-thinking regarding university operations, particularly in terms of R&D and collaboration with other institutions.
