Dr. Rosalie Balkin receives IMO International Maritime Prize

Dr. Balkin, who was nominated by the Government of Australia, was honoured at the annual IMO Awards Ceremony, held in London on 24 November 2025. The ceremony followed the first day of the 34th session of the IMO Assembly, taking place from 24 November to 3 December 2025.   

Handing Dr. Balkin the silver dolphin trophy, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez commended her five-decade career, in which she has broken new ground, including as the first woman to lead the CMI - the world’s oldest organization focused on unifying international maritime law - since it was founded in 1897.   

He stated: “Dr. Balkin life’s work reflects an exceptional combination of excellence, integrity, and a firm commitment to advancing the global maritime community.” 

Dr. Balkin began her legal career in academia and has held various positions in a number of universities, including Wits University (South Africa), Melbourne and New South Wales Universities (Australia) and Cambridge University (United Kingdom).  

Dr. Balkin served twice on the Board of Governors of the World Maritime University (WMU) and currently serves as Ethics Officer to the WMU President, offering advice on ethical matters and settlement of disputes.

Dr. Balkin was the first woman appointed the Director of Legal Affairs and External Relations Division at IMO (1998-2013) and later the first female Assistant Secretary-General (2011-2013). 

During her tenure at IMO, Dr. Balkin oversaw several landmark diplomatic conferences that led to the adoption of new international conventions on maritime safety, pollution liability, wreck removal, and passenger protection.