Newsletter 4 | August 15, 2025 Edition Out Now

ICJ ruling puts legal heat on shipping – Pacific leads the way
The recent International Court of Justice advisory opinion has shifted climate justice from a political ambition to a binding legal obligation — with big implications for the International Maritime Organisation and global shipping. The first test will come at the Extraordinary Session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee this October. Full story here.

JET News at The Hague
JET presenter John Taukave and singer Mia Kami reflect on the emotions of the day, the significance of the ruling, and the urgent call for action that follows. – watch their video.

IMO opens regional office in Suva
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has officially opened its first Regional Presence Office (RPO) for the Pacific, located in Suva, Fiji. This historic move strengthens IMO’s commitment to the region, offering direct support to Pacific Island countries on maritime safety, governance, and decarbonisation. Speaking at the opening, Fiji’s Minister of Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, described the office as a milestone in regional partnership. Full story here.

Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu unite on decarbonsation
Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu launched a landmark regional program to decarbonise maritime transport this week. The USD 9 million, five-year initiative is funded by the Republic of Korea and delivered by the Global Green Growth Institute. Full story here.

Fikiasi graduates with honours
The Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority has celebrated the graduation of Lloyd Maiki Fikiasi, Deputy Commissioner for International and Legal Affairs, who completed his Master of Laws in International Maritime Law with distinction from the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta. Full story here.

Inuit council gets permanent consultative status at IMO
The Inuit Circumpolar Council has been officially granted Permanent Consultative Status at the IMO — becoming the first and only Indigenous Peoples Organisation to hold such standing. Full story here.

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