IMO strengthens cooperation with ASEAN on maritime transport priorities

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has updated the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on its technical cooperation activities and opportunities for regional collaboration to advance safer, greener and more inclusive maritime transport across Southeast Asia. The presentation was delivered during the 51st meeting of the ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group (MTWG), held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (20–21 October).

ASEAN, comprising 11 Member States—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor‑Leste and Viet Nam—plays a vital role in global trade and sustainable growth, particularly in shipping, shipbuilding, logistics, and the maritime workforce. IMO participates in MTWG meetings as a Dialogue Partner, supporting regional maritime programmes and raising the profile of the sector.

During the meeting, IMO highlighted progress under IMO’s Technical Cooperation Framework for the 2026–2027 biennium and identified areas of potential alignment with the ASEAN Transport Sectoral Plan (ATSP) 2026–2030.

IMO outlined its approach to technical cooperation, emphasizing needs-driven assistance informed by Member States’ requests, detailed needs analyses and findings from the IMO Member State Audit Scheme. The Organization also encouraged ASEAN maritime administrations to use the IMO Technical Cooperation Portal to submit requests for support, monitor ongoing activities and improve alignment between national priorities and IMO assistance.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →