Istanbul to Host UN Maritime Safety Committee for First Time Outside Britain

The United Nations Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) will gather in Istanbul from 29 November to 8 December for its 82nd session, marking the first time the body has convened outside the United Kingdom.

Türkiye and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) formalized the arrangement through a memorandum of understanding. Under its terms, Türkiye will extend a range of exemptions and immunities to all meeting participants.

The London-based IMO, which has 166 member states, works to foster intergovernmental cooperation on shipping regulations, maritime safety, navigation efficiency, and the prevention of marine pollution. Türkiye has been a founding member since 1958.

Close to 1,000 attendees are expected, including senior officials from all 166 member states as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2006, in its own words.