ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group Convenes in Phnom Penh for 51st Meeting
The International Maritime Organization updated the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on technical cooperation activities and regional collaboration opportunities during the 51st meeting of the ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, held from October 20 to 21, as Hellenic Shipping News reported.
Progress Under UN Maritime Framework
During the meetings in Cambodia, the UN maritime agency outlined progress under its Technical Cooperation Framework for the 2026–2027 biennium. Officials identified areas of potential alignment with the ASEAN Transport Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 to advance safer, greener, and more inclusive maritime transport across Southeast Asia. The International Maritime Organization emphasized a needs-driven approach to technical assistance, which relies on requests from Member States, detailed needs analyses, and findings from the International Maritime Organization Member State Audit Scheme. Maritime administrations in the region were encouraged to use the International Maritime Organization Technical Cooperation Portal to submit support requests, monitor ongoing projects, and align national priorities with available assistance.
IMO, ASEAN Strengthen Cooperation on Maritime Prioritieshttps://t.co/x2LA7JOswS
Appointments Strengthen Regional Presence
ASEAN Member States expressed appreciation for the technical assistance provided and welcomed the appointment of Johanna Diwa Acallar as the new Regional Coordinator. The delegation from the International Maritime Organization included Jean Ver Pia, Head of the Asia and Pacific Section, who attended online, alongside in-person representatives Johanna Diwa Acallar, Astrid Dispert, Jamie Jones, and Nadine Bresemann from the GreenVoyage2050 Programme team. Member States noted positive developments in strengthening the agency’s regional presence through the International Maritime Organization Regional Presence Office for East Asia, which facilitates technical partnerships, resource mobilization, and knowledge exchange.
New Blue Solutions Project and Oil Spill Preparedness
The International Maritime Organization officially launched its new Blue Solutions Project during the sessions, designed to support efforts to reduce emissions from ships, ports, and hinterland transport in the region. Implemented in cooperation with Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia, the project advances the transition toward greener maritime transport. Tawirat Bates, speaking on behalf of the Global Initiative for Southeast Asia, briefed the working group on progress made in carrying out the Memorandum of Understanding on ASEAN Cooperation Mechanism for Joint Oil Spill Preparedness and Response and the Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan, which featured findings from the High-Level Spill Preparedness Capability Survey.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ASEAN-IMO Maritime Meeting
What is the ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group?
The ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group is a regional body that coordinates maritime policies and transport strategies across the 11 Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, focusing on shipping, shipbuilding, logistics, and the maritime workforce.
What role does the International Maritime Organization play in ASEAN transport meetings?
The International Maritime Organization participates in the working group meetings as a Dialogue Partner, supporting regional maritime programs, delivering technical cooperation activities, and raising the sector’s profile in global trade.
Which countries comprise the Association of Southeast Asian Nations?
Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam make up the 11 Member States of ASEAN.