The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has opened a new Regional Presence Office (RPO) in Suva, Fiji. This is the first IMO office in the Pacific region.
Firstly, the office will help Pacific nations follow global maritime rules. It will support work on safety, environmental protection, and industry growth.
Moreover, the Government of Fiji is hosting the office, which is based at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez opened the office during his first official visit to the region.
“This office will be a center for knowledge, support, and coordination,” Dominguez said. “Pacific countries matter. We’re here to support them.”
The region already works with IMO on key issues. These include cutting ship emissions, protecting the ocean, supporting seafarers, and boosting women in maritime.
Additionally, Fiji’s Transport Minister, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, welcomed the move. “This office gives us the support we need to handle big challenges, safety, pollution, laws, and decarbonization,” he said.
Also, the office will also help deliver technical support more efficiently. It follows the UN’s push for smarter, more centralized assistance.
Dominguez urged Pacific nations to stay involved with IMO’s new Net-Zero Framework. The plan includes global fuel rules and a greenhouse gas pricing system. It’s set for adoption in October 2025. A new Net-Zero Fund will help countries shift to cleaner energy.
