Maritime law veteran David J. Attard was awarded the International Maritime Prize during the 120th session of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council in London.

Awarded annually by the IMO Council, it recognises those judged to have made a significant contribution to the work and objectives of the IMO.

The International Maritime Prize consists of a sculpture in the form of a dolphin, as well as a financial award. The winner is also invited to write a paper on a theme related to IMO’s work, which is then published in IMO’s quarterly magazine, IMO News.

Prof. Attard has dedicated over 35 years to the service of the codification and progressive development of the law of the sea. Since 1992 and until his retirement this year, he has held the position of Director at the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI).

Under his directorship, over 1,000 government lawyers and officials from 146 states have graduated from the IMLI, as he dedicated most of his academic life to capacity building in international maritime law.

He is an associate professor in Law at the University of Malta, while also becoming a professor in International Public Law later on in his career. In 1988, Prof. Attard served as Chairman of the Exploration Committee in the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta, as well as Advisor to the Secretary-general of the IMO from 1988 till 1989.

Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg congratulated Prof. Attard on the achievement and for his commitment to the IMO’s work. The award serves as a great recognition of Malta’s efforts in the IMO, which remains the global focal point for the regulation of shipping in such crucial years for the shipping sector.

Social Image: International Maritime Organisation / Website