IMO Postpones Meetings Due to COVID-19

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has postponed a number of meetings following the global coronavirus outbreak.

London-headquartered IMO said the move takes into account the decision of the UK on March 5 to move toward the "delay" phase of its coronavirus action plan: a guide to what you can expect across the UK, similar actions adopted by other UN agencies, and the increased difficulties for delegates from IMO Member States traveling from abroad to attend IMO meetings.

Specifically, the following meetings are postponed: the meeting of the Scientific Group of the London Convention and London Protocol scheduled to take place from March 9 to 13, and the 107th session of the Legal Committee, scheduled to take place from March 16 to 20. Rescheduling will be announced in good time to allow attendees to make appropriate arrangements, the organization said.

IMO said it will continue to monitor all developments related to COVID-19 and will advise as soon as possible on the future postponement of meetings beyond the ones listed above.