UN maritime agency commends champion of shipping safety

02 November 2010 – The United Nations maritime agency today honoured Mr. Johan Franson of Sweden for his contributions to global maritime safety and his work to prevent the spread of pollution by ships, at a ceremony in its London headquarters.

The United Nations maritime agency today honoured Mr. Johan Franson of Sweden for his contributions to global maritime safety and his work to prevent the spread of pollution by ships, at a ceremony in its London headquarters.

The annual International Maritime Prize prize is awarded to individuals and organizations in recognition of contributions to the work and objectives of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is the United Nations agency entrusted with setting comprehensive regulations for shipping. Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos presented the award during the 105th session of the organization’s Council, which is being held from 1-5 November.

Mr. Franson has worked to strengthen the international maritime regime for several decades, including as a lawyer with the Swedish Maritime Administration and as head of the Swedish Maritime Safety Inspectorate. In the context of the IMO, he was instrumental in negotiating key agreements on maritime practices, including as chair of the organization’s Council from 2005-2009.