IMO Prize for Martinez

The prestigious International Maritime Prize for 2004 has been presented to Mr. Luis Martínez of Mexico, who has spent a lifetime in high profile positions in the maritime sector and is currently a fishing vessel owner.

Mr. Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, presented the prize to Mr. Martínez during a special ceremony (on Thursday, 17 November) at IMO’s London Headquarters during the Organization’s 23rd Extraordinary Council session, which precedes the Organization’s 24th Assembly, to be held from 21 November to 2 December.

The International Maritime Prize is awarded annually by IMO to the individual or organization judged to have made the most significant contribution to the work and objectives of IMO. The 94th session of the IMO Council in June took the decision to award the prize to Mr. Martínez in recognition of his long service to the cause of maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment.

The prize-giving ceremony was also attended by His Excellency Mr. Juan José Bremer CVO, Ambassador of Mexico in London; Mr. Tomas Lozano y Pardinas, Director-General of the Merchant Marine of Mexico; Mr. Martínez’ wife and family, as well as by delegations to the IMO Council and IMO staff.

Agreement of Co-operation with Mexico Following the prize giving, the Director-General of the Merchant Marine of Mexico, Mr. Tomas Lozano y Pardinas, signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Directorate-General for the Merchant Marine (DGMM) of the Ministry of Communications and Transport, United Mexican States, and the International Maritime Organization, the objective of which is to formalize the close co-operation that exists between the Parties in the performance of technical assistance activities for Latin American countries, within the Organization's field of competence.