The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is setting up a new sub-division within the UN secretariat's maritime safety division to reinforce the high priority being accorded to security matters. The new body will address the issue of facilitating maritime traffic under the leadership of Nicolaos Charalambous of Cyprus who has taken over as the new Deputy Director.

The formation of the new sub-division reflects the continuing need for the IMO and the global maritime sector to sustain efforts to step up the levels of security in all aspects of ship and port operations at the same time facilitating movement of people and goods by ship, according to an official release.