The third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) was held in Nice, France, from 9–13 June 2025, co-hosted by the governments of France and Costa Rica. Under the theme “Accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” the conference brought together global leaders, scientists, and industry stakeholders to address the urgent challenges facing our oceans.
Shipping was a prominent topic throughout the week, with discussions ranging from underwater noise and marine litter to the role of shipping in the evolving regulatory landscape shaped by the new “high seas treaty.” BIMCO was on the ground, ensuring the industry had a strong voice in these critical conversations.
Shipping and the Expanding Framework of Ocean Biodiversity Protection
UNOC3 marked the first major ocean conference since the adoption of two landmark biodiversity agreements:
- The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) – aiming to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
- The BBNJ Agreement (also known as the High Seas Treaty) – focused on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
These frameworks are part of a broader wave of ocean governance developments, including the anticipated Plastics Convention and growing momentum to integrate ocean protection into climate negotiations at COP30 in Belém later this year.
While UNOC3 did not produce legally binding outcomes, it reinforced global commitment through a declaration to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, which is increasingly under threat from climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Notably, progress on ratifying the high seas treaty was significant, with expectations that the required 60 ratifications will be reached soon - paving the way for its entry into force and an expected first Conference of the Parties in 2026.
Shipping’s role in this evolving governance landscape was a key focus, with discussions on:
- Area-based protection measures
- Marine litter and plastic pollution
- Whale strikes and underwater radiated noise
- Reduction of GHG emissions and the IMO Net Zero Framework
Announcements included a proposed Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) application for the Costa Rica Thermal Dome, a new Traffic Separation Scheme in Peru, and additional whale protection measures across South America.
BIMCO anticipates increased coordination between IMO and member states on these issues. A submission to the IMO Council by a group of member states has already been made, and we will continue to keep members informed and engaged on discussions related to this topic.
High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean: Tackling Underwater Noise Pollution
A major highlight of UNOC3 was the launch of the High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean, the first global political initiative dedicated to reducing harmful underwater noise. Ministers from Panama and Canada joined leaders from 35 countries to unveil this commitment to protect marine biodiversity.
The Coalition’s Declaration outlines a forward-looking agenda:
- Promoting quieter ship design and operations via the IMO
- Integrating noise reduction into marine protected area management
- Implementing practical solutions to reduce vessel noise impacts
- Supporting capacity-building through tools like the IMO’s GloNoise Partnership
At BIMCO, we recognise that underwater noise is a growing environmental challenge. Innovations in ship design, routing, and operational practices not only reduce acoustic pollution but also improve fuel efficiency and cut greenhouse gas emissions. This Coalition represents a vital step in aligning industry and governments around science-based, sustainable solutions.
10,000 Ships for the Ocean: Scaling Up Ocean Observations
Another key initiative launched at UNOC3 was 10,000 Ships for the Ocean, led by the IMO, WMO, and IHO. This ambitious project calls on the maritime industry to help close critical gaps in ocean and weather data by equipping commercial vessels to collect real-time observations.
This supports the premise that more data means better weather forecasts, improves early warning systems, and supports more accurate climate models—benefiting both society and maritime operations. This initiative offers the shipping industry a unique opportunity to demonstrate environmental leadership and to also reap the benefits that the data provides for operations.
BIMCO participated in a side event to explore the challenges of data collection, from legal and technical issues to data sharing. More importantly, we discussed how collaboration can overcome these barriers. We’re here to support any members interested in joining this initiative—please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions and comments
