American maritime expert and diplomat to receive International Maritime Prize

Mr. Jeffrey G. Lantz - a naval architect, marine engineer and former United States Coast Guard captain with more than 50 years of maritime experience - has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 International Maritime Prize.  

The decision was endorsed by the IMO Council on Tuesday 7 July during its 137th session in London, United Kingdom. He was nominated by the Government of the United States of America.  

In nominating Mr. Lantz, the U.S. Coast Guard highlighted his long, distinguished career and outstanding technical expertise, including over two decades spent advancing the mission and objectives of International Maritime Organization, stating:  

“His leadership has been instrumental in the development of landmark IMO regulations and in driving international consensus on complex issues facing the maritime sector.” 

Mr. Lantz will receive his award during the annual IMO Awards Ceremony scheduled for 14 December 2026. 

Distinguished career in maritime leadership 

Mr. Lantz most recently served as the Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards for the U.S. Coast Guard. He retired in 2025, having reached the US government’s highest civil service rank. 

He is a naval architect, marine engineer, and port state control and flag state surveyor, holding a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and Master of Science degrees in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. 

He led, managed and directed the development of United States policy positions and the U.S. Government’s representation on maritime matters at the IMO and the International Labour Organization (ILO). He served as head of the U.S. delegation at IMO for more than 10 years, and was elected as Chair of the IMO Council, holding this position from 2009 to 2017.