IMO Launches Two Game‑Changing Alliances at UN Ocean Conference in Nice
During the Third UN Ocean Conference (9–13 June 2025) in Nice, France, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) officially introduced two new Global Industry Alliances (GIAs) aimed at:
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Mitigating underwater radiated noise from shipping
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Reducing sea‑based sources of marine plastic litter
These public‑private partnerships form part of IMO’s broader push to mobilize industry actors in support of Sustainable Development Goal 14: “Life Below Water.”
Why It Matters
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Shipping is critical: Responsible for over 80 % of global trade and a US$ $900 billion annual stake in the ocean economy, the shipping sector has a unique opportunity—and obligation—to lead ocean protection.
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Policy + practice: These GIAs leverage IMO’s proven public‑private model, stepping up action on noise and plastics—two pressing threats to marine biodiversity and coastal communities.
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Multilateral momentum: Announced at a UN‑led event focused on sustainable shipping, this initiative reflects growing multilateral collaboration to accelerate climate, pollution, and biodiversity responses.
The Broader IMO Strategy
Under Secretary‑General Arsenio Dominguez’s leadership, IMO is intensifying efforts across three fronts:
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Climate action: Developing new regulations to curb greenhouse gas emissions and support decarbonization
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Marine pollution: Reinforcing the global action plan on plastic litter at sea
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Biodiversity protection: Introducing a legal framework to prevent invasive species while helping member states reduce underwater noise.
These alliances build on IMO’s decades-long effort to curb oil spills, container losses, and air pollution via effective conventions and technical cooperation.
What Happens Next
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Industry collaboration: The two GIAs will invite shipping firms, port operators, tech firms, and NGOs to co-develop standards, pilot projects, and financing mechanisms for innovation.
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Policy uptake: IMO hopes outputs—such as guidelines, technologies, and best practices—will feed directly into future global regulation, ensuring real-world commitments.
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Global spotlight: Framed as part of the "Ocean Action Plan" and SDG 14 acceleration, these moves are expected to influence other ocean sectors and multilateral bargaining at Nice.
The launch of the two GIAs at this high-profile UN gathering signals a critical strategic pivot: shipping is embracing collaborative, outcomes-driven action on noise and plastic pollution, highlighting a shift from regulation to real-world impact. As the Blue Economy grows, IMO’s alliance model may very well become the blueprint for maritime governance worldwide.
