# Governance at the International Maritime Organisation: the Case for Reform URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/governance-at-the-imo-the-case-for-reform Type: Publication or report Published: 2018-04-03 Updated: 2020-10-20 --- 03 April 2018 The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), a United Nations’ specialised agency, creates “a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair, effective, universally adopted and implemented." The shipping industry could contribute up to 17 per cent of global CO2 emissions by 2050 if left unregulated. Therefore, the IMO has an integral role in helping the shipping industry to meet the targets set out in the UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate change and Goal 14 on oceans, as well as the targets of the Paris Agreement. The goal of Transparency International’s governance assessment is to provide an overview of challenges existing in the IMO’s governance and decision-making processes and to provide recommendations for improvement to support its aptitude to develop and implement effective strategies and policies. The assessment identifies the key governance and anti-corruption measures in place in terms of transparency, accountability and integrity. ### Related publications ## [Regional Assessment of Integrity in Political Finance in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/integrity-political-finance-asia) Publication • 03 September 2026 This report reviews systems across 17 countries to identify the areas of political finance most in need of reform. ## [Annual Report 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/annual-report-2025) Publication • 17 July 2026 In 2025, Transparency International pursued its mission to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and across all sectors of society. ## [Connecting the Dots: How financial intelligence units expose corrupt money flows and how they could do more](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/connecting-the-dots) Publication • 24 June 2026 Financial intelligence units can play a key role in uncovering corruption, but only if they have the powers, resources and access to information they need. ## [Whistleblowing Authorities in Europe: Roles, challenges and lessons learned](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblowing-authorities-in-europe-roles-challenges-and-lessons-learned) Publication • 19 June 2026 This report examines the institutional design, mandates and functioning of national whistleblowing authorities across Europe. ## Priorities - [Climate crisis](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/climate-crisis) ## Projects - [Climate Governance Integrity Programme](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/climate-governance-integrity-programme) ![](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/IMO_report_cover.png?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/2018_IMO_Governance_Report_EN.pdf)