“I BELIEVE that IMO member states have learned from past lessons and have been putting in a lot of effort to lessen any unnecessary burden to the industry, including consideration of practical challenges and ways to minimise their impact,” says secretary-general Kitack Lim on this week’s podcast.

Mr Lim is mindful of the challenges that lie ahead for the industry and has promised to consider the financial burden on the shipping industry as part of the roadmap towards decarbonisation, but make no mistake — change is coming.

Last year, his third year in office, Mr Lim and the global maritime regulator he runs emerged as the biggest influencers in the shipping industry — a fact reflected in his position at the top of  the annual Lloyd’s List Top 100.

But this year looks equally challenging. Reform is on the agenda at the IMO and 2019 could be a defining year for the future of maritime regulation and his legacy.

Between final preparations for the sulphur cap, the implementation of the GHG strategy and internal reforms, there is no shortage of pressure on Mr Lim.