It is easy to pick faults with IMO, especially on some of the recent decisions, but overall there is more to celebrate as the organisation reaches its 70th anniversary. Just think where we would be without it

This week IMO celebrates 70 years since the organisation was founded and 60 years since the convention came into force. Today, 173 nations take part in the decision-making process. Indeed, the multiplicity of countries and vested interests means the process can be slow.

IMO’s slowness to get on board the whole climate change issue has left an impression on those outside shipping that there is a reluctance to face up to our responsibilities as an industry. It will take many years of good PR to overcome that image and certain issues need to be addressed.

Then there is the ballast water debacle, which reached its first anniversary this month with many none the wiser regarding the approval requirements, if indeed, certain approvals are needed at all.

And then there is the 2020 global sulphur cap, which impinges costs on shipowners and charterers with no clear picture if compliant fuels will be available.

Naturally, we focus on the short-term issues on the immediate horizon, and forget about all the good work IMO has done.

Already, we can see the shape of the issues IMO will need to address in the future, from remote controlled ships to cyber security. Indeed, some of these issues are already on the agenda, such as biofouling.

So, let’s celebrate IMO and give it our support and as IMO general-secretary Kitack Lin said in the video below “Better shipping for a better future.”