THE International Maritime Organisation is setting up a new sub-division within the UN secretariat's maritime safety division to reinforce the high priority given today to security matters.

IMO secretary general Efthimios Mitropoulos said the new body will address the issue of facilitating maritime traffic, under the leadership of Nicolaos Charalambous of Cyprus, who became the new deputy director from January 1, according to an official release.

Mr Mitropoulos said the formation of the new sub-division reflects the continuing need for the IMO, and the global maritime industry, to sustain efforts to enhance and improve levels of security in all aspects of ship and port operations, while at the same time facilitating the movement of people and goods by ship.

Separately, Miguel Palomares of Spain has stepped up to become the new director of the secretariat's Marine Environment Division following the retirement of Jean-Claude Sainlos.

Stefan Micallef of Malta now becomes the deputy director of that division and head of its sub-division for pollution response and technical co-operation co-ordination.