Maritime Cook Islands Newsletter: October 2025
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OCTOBER 2025 | MCI NEWSLETTER
MFAI RELEASE: DELAY IN IMO NET-ZERO FRAMEWORK ADOPTION OPENS SPACE FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION
Earlier this month, Sandrina Thondoo, Director for Treaties, Multilaterals and Oceans and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, represented the Cook Islands at the 2nd Extraordinary Session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC/ES.2).
Held on the 17th October in London, the session was critical, focusing on adopting the amendments to MARPOL Annex VI under the proposed IMO Net-Zero Framework. Although the Cook Islands, along with many other nations, was prepared to adopt the framework, consensus could not be reached, resulting in a deferral of adoption by 12 months. The Cook Islands notes that this pause, while not anticipated, may prove beneficial to further refine the framework.
COOK ISLANDS CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL IMO MEMBER STATE AUDIT
The Government of the Cook Islands, through the Ministry of Transport’s Maritime Administration and associated agencies, is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).
The audit, conducted from 29 September to 6 October 2025, marks a significant milestone in the Cook Islands’ continued commitment to strengthening maritime governance and demonstrates the proactive, collaborative spirit that underpins its relationship with the IMO.
COOK ISLANDS ACHIEVES LANDMARK MARITIME BOUNDARY MILESTONE
The Government of the Cook Islands has received the recommendations from the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) regarding the revised submission for the outer limits of the continental shelf in the Manihiki Plateau area.
This landmark decision paves the way for the Cook Islands to become the first Pacific Island nation to formally finalize all its maritime boundaries under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The successful recognition of this claim is significant, potentially adding approximately 350,000 square kilometres of seabed 'shelf' to the nation's maritime jurisdiction. This accomplishment solidifies the legal certainty of the Cook Islands' ocean territory and reinforces its commitment to rules-based ocean governance.
CISOA CEO APPOINTED INTERIM SECRETARY GENERAL OF ASA
MCI would like to recognize and celebrate the appointment of Mrs. Eleanor Keukura Roi as the Interim Secretary General of the Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA).
This key appointment follows the retirement of the long-serving Secretary General, Mr. Yuichi Sonoda, to whom the Association extended its deep appreciation for years of dedicated service. Mrs. Roi, who concurrently serves as the ASA Chairperson and the CEO of the Cook Islands Ship Owners Association (CISOA), has assumed this dual leadership responsibility to ensure seamless operational continuity during the transition period.
As the first ASA Chairperson from the Pacific region, Mrs. Roi has been a proven advocate for regional cooperation and the sustainable participation of emerging maritime nations. Her appointment as Interim Secretary General highlights her professional stature and the high level of trust placed in her by the Asian shipping community. This is a significant milestone for Mrs. Roi and a source of considerable pride for the Cook Islands maritime sector.
MARITIME COOK ISLANDS PARTICIPATES IN CRUCIAL NATIONAL CONSULTATION TO ADVANCE CREW LABOUR STANDARDS
MCI is pleased to announce our participation in the recent National Consultation on Crew Labour Standards for Fishing Vessels, held from October 6–8, 2025.
Led by the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) and supported by the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), this significant three-day workshop brought together key government agencies to strengthen safety and labour protections for all fishing crew. The consultation focused on the national implementation of new international standards to combat exploitation and ensure fair treatment and safe working conditions.
MCI, represented by Kiahani Strickland and Louisa Purea, joined partners to achieve consensus on a roadmap for legislative and policy development, culminating in the creation of a draft Cook Islands Fishing Crew Policy (2026–2031). The MMR is now driving this progressive work, with the final policy adoption planned for early next year.
EXPLORING AFRICA'S 'NEXT FRONTIER' AT THE INAUGURAL AFRICAN BOATING CONFERENCE
MCI was proud to be on the ground in Cape Town for the inaugural African Boating Conference.
Representing the flag, Agent Paul Coxon joined industry leaders and 200 delegates to explore the immense, yet largely untapped, potential of Africa’s marine sector. The conference reinforced a powerful vision: establishing Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands as the "next frontier" for superyacht and marine tourism.
TE KARA RUN 2025: A COLOURFUL SUCCESS!
Maritime Cook Islands was honoured to serve as an official colour station sponsor for the Air New Zealand 5th Te Kara Run on October 24th, a significant community event in support of Autism Cook Islands.
The success of the 5km fun run, which drew over 1,000 participants and saw the entire Rarotonga community come together, was truly inspiring. MCI is delighted to have contributed to the vibrant atmosphere and to have played a part in highlighting our community's unified support for such a critical organisation.
We commend Autism Cook Islands for their successful fundraising efforts!
WISTA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2025
A record-breaking gathering of over 400 maritime professionals at the 2025 WISTA International Conference concluded with a unified message: collaboration is essential for the industry to achieve its goals in decarbonization and gender diversity.
Rachele Andreani of Maritime Cook Islands was in attendance. She described the conference, which addressed the latest sector trends, as a "perfect platform to collaborate, exchange insights, and shape the future of our industry." WISTA International President Elpi Petraki's keynote address reinforced the call for unity, stating, “Collaboration has always been shipping’s greatest strength."
A key focus of the event was IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez, who discussed the latest MEPC
outcomes and critical "human factors" like seafarer welfare.
The event also marked significant growth for WISTA, which announced new national associations in Croatia, Kenya, and Malta, and the relaunch of WISTA Japan.
ENGAGING WITH INDIA'S FUTURE MARITIME VISION
MCI recently attended the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 in Mumbai, a key global event focusing on the future of the maritime sector. Our delegation comprising of Agent Faust Pinto, Director of Business Development, Eleanor Roi, and Business Development Officer, Tahira Viviani, were on the ground to reinforce our commitment and strengthen ties with stakeholders in
this market.
IMW 2025 showcased India's ambition to become a world-leading maritime hub, with major themes centered on the nation's Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The most important highlights were the investment pledges in shipbuilding, port modernization, and crucial advancements in decarbonisation and green shipping. The conference provided invaluable insight into the sector’s global pivot towards sustainability and advanced technology.
By engaging directly with global leaders, this ensures MCI remains at the forefront of industry trends, equipped to serve clients as the industry navigates a complex, technology-driven, and sustainable future.
WELCOME TO MARITIME COOK ISLANDS!
Maritime Cook Islands is delighted to welcome Angela Wildin who joins our head office team in Rarotonga as Finance Controller. She brings extensive financial management experience and a strong commitment to maintaining the high standards of accuracy and accountability that underpin MCI’s operations. She will be leading the Accounts Department and working closely with the Executive Team to continue strengthening our financial systems and reporting processes."Coming from an auditing background, I believe this role offers a fantastic opportunity for growth." says Angela. "My goal is simple: to dive in, learn everything I can, and help ensure the smooth and efficient running of our organization’s daily operations." MCI looks forward to the expertise she will bring to this role and supporting her professional growth.
KA KITE NADIA!
While we welcome a new staff member, we also bid a bittersweet farewell to Nadia Tuarae who has been serving as our Accounts manager for the last 3 years. Nadia was central to maintaining the integrity of MCI's financial structure. She managed our day-to-day accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Importantly, her work involved overseeing the successful transition and implementation of key financial systems, which was vital for streamlining internal processes and ensuring timely, accurate financial reporting across the organization. Maritime Cook Islands would like to thank Nadia for her contributions to the company's growth and wish her well on her next endeavors!
THIS MONTH'S YACHT HIGHLIGHT: AKIKO
Registered under the Cook Islands flag, the 34m motor yacht Akiko was built by Alloy Yachts of New Zealand and launched in 2007. Featuring naval and exterior architecture by Gregory C. Marshall Naval Architect Ltd. and interiors by Lahaus, the yacht has an aluminium hull and superstructure, a 7.72m beam, and a volume of 281 GT. Powered by two Caterpillar engines, Akiko achieves a top speed of 13 kn and can accommodate up to 12 guests and a crew of 6.
Watch the vessels highlights here
October:
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show | 29th Oct - 2nd Nov 2025
November:
- Europort 2025 Maritime Exhibition | 4th - 7th November 2025
- Metstrade | 18th - 20th November 2025
- Abu Dhabi International Boat Show | 20th - 23rd November 2025
FOR MORE INFORMATION
