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highlights were agreement on the date for a global reduction in the sulphur content of ships’ fuel oil; adopting mandatory requirements for ships to collect and report data on the fuel they use, and approving a road map to develop a comprehensive strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships. 2016 saw important progress on verifying goal-based construction standards for new oil tankers and bulk carriers, and was also the year when ratifications of the Ballast Water Management Convention triggered the entry into force of that important instrument later this year.If properly implemented and built upon, all these measures will have a considerable positive effect on the environment, the ocean and human health.Looking ahead, in the future we will continue to pursue these goals, alongside the rest of our mandate. Traditional issues such as the human element, training and education will continue to develop but within new contexts such as enhanced digital connectivity, cyber security and the increasingly urgent search for green technologies.I am particularly keen, this year, to highlight the importance of ‘joined-up’ maritime development across all sectors and how this can bring great benefits in terms of development, especially in the context of the global Sustainable Development Goals.“CONSISTENT, UNIFORM REGULATION FACILITATES THE FREE FLOW OF COMMERCE ”With this in mind, our theme for this year is ‘Connecting ships, ports and people’ and we will be using it as an opportunity to highlight the value of integration in the maritime and logistics sectors – both from a policy and a practical perspective. IMO’s role as the global regulator of the shipping industry can enhance this integration: consistent, uniform regulation facilitates the free flow of commerce. ■ABOUT THE AUTHORKitack Lim was elected Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization by the 114th session of the IMO Council in June 2015 for a four-year period beginning 1 January 2016. The election was endorsed by IMO’s Assembly at its 29th session in November 2015. Mr Lim (Republic of Korea) is the eighth elected Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization.ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION (IMO)The International Maritime Organization is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. For more information visit: www.imo.org.Picture Credit: IMOPictured: Kitack Lim