International Maritime Organization Secretary-General visits Australia

AUSTRALIA has welcomed the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, as part of his tour of the Pacific region.

Mr Dominguez’s visit is said to mark an opportunity to show Australia’s maritime sector and deepen regional collaboration on global shipping.

His Pacific tour began in Australia and is to continue through Fiji, New Zealand and the Cook Islands.

While in Australia, Mr Dominguez met with infrastructure and transport minister Catherine King and climate change and energy minister Chris Bowen.

They were joined by a number of key figures including Department of Infrastructure secretary Jim Betts, AMSA chair Jeanine Drummond, AMSA chief executive Kaylene Dale, and other senior Australian government officials to discuss maritime safety, environmental sustainability and workforce development.

Mr Dominguez also held discussions with representatives from Pacific Island countries, talking about the IMO’s support for Pacific-led priorities and the establishment the IMO Regional Presence Office in Fiji.

Mr Dominguez praised the diversity and depth of Australia’s maritime sector.

“Australia is a vital partner in the global maritime community and a strong advocate for maritime safety and sustainable practices,” Mr Dominguez said.

“This visit has reaffirmed our shared priorities—from decarbonisation and digitalisation to workforce development and gender equality. I was especially encouraged by the collaborative spirit I witnessed here, not just in government and industry, but across the wider Pacific region.”

AMSA chief executive Kaylene Dale welcomed the visit as an opportunity to demonstrate Australia’s leadership in the region.

“We were pleased to host Mr Dominguez and showcase Australia’s leadership in maritime safety, environmental stewardship, and seafarer welfare initiatives. This visit reinforced our commitment to advancing innovation, sustainability, and workforce diversity across the region,” Ms Dale said.

According to AMSA, the visit is said to underscore Australia’s enduring commitment to working alongside the IMO and regional partners to support a safe, secure and sustainable maritime future in Australia, Pacific region and globally.