International Maritime Organisation
Creating a universal framework for shipping that is fair, safe, sustainable, and efficient.
International shipping transports over 80% of global trade. We therefore need to be able to rely on a safe, secure and efficient international shipping industry. As a United Nations Organisation, the IMO – the International Maritime Organisation – is responsible for the safety and security of shipping and preventing marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. By setting global standards, IMO supports and shapes a truly international industry alongside key players including shipbuilding suppliers, shipbuilders, architects, and operators.
Together, we can create a level playing field to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability – without cutting corners or compromising on safety and security.
Respecting today’s legislation and shaping tomorrow’s
To make this a reality, IMO measures cover all aspects of international shipping, including ship design, construction, equipment, manning, operation, and disposal. Our Saint-Gobain Marine brands work closely with IMO to ensure that every solution meets the organisation’s requirements – and in many cases exceed them, helping contribute to the regulations of tomorrow. Like IMO, we prioritise fire safety, security, and sustainability, which are at heart of every product, from the earliest design stages through development and production.
Keen to work together to build IMO-compliant vessels? Need advice on how to meet IMO requirements?
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Committing to sustainability
Given its importance in the global economy, shipping is essential to future sustainable growth. Through IMO, the organisation’s Member States, civil society and the shipping industry are already working together to move towards a greener economy and sustainable growth. IMO is committed to the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the associated Sustainable Development Goals. By setting ambitious targets – particularly in relation to carbon and sulphur oxide emissions – the organisation is leading the way for the industry to reduce its environmental impact, inspired and driven by initiatives from key industry players. Each of us can contribute in our own way, whether by developing alternative zero-carbon fuels or – like Saint-Gobain Marine – lighter, more compact materials that reduce the weight of vessels and therefore their fuel and energy consumption.
Find out more about Saint-Gobain Marine’s sustainable solutions
Investing in safety and security
In its successive forms, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is one of the most important international treaties concerning ship safety. Its main objective is to specify minimum standards to ensure that safety is at the heart of construction, equipment and operations. So, that passengers and vessels are better protected at sea. To meet these requirements, Saint-Gobain Marine products are carefully tested and certified to IMO-standards. Through brands like Vetrotech and Sully, we provide enhanced security across all sectors – including the navy – and protection from bullets, blasts and fire, as well as high pressure wind and waves. Choosing robust, fire-resistant materials plays a key role in creating vessels that meet the highest safety standards, whether set by IMO or other marine certification bodies.
Prioritising fire safety
Given that vessels are often a long way from land and rescue services, fire can have a devastating impact. Vessels may carry large numbers of people or inflammable cargo. As part of the SOLAS convention, regulations are designed to prevent fires from occurring in the first place, for example by making sure that materials such as carpets and wall coverings are not flammable. Regulations are also designed to ensure fires are rapidly detected, contained and extinguished. Ship designs can be optimised to provide easy evacuation routes for crew and passengers. In line with IMO requirements and Saint-Gobain Marine’s commitment to safety, all our Marine and Offshore solutions are fire-rated and can be adapted to the specific requirements of different kinds of vessel.