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.

Key contributions

The IMO Council noted Mr. Lantz’s significant contributions to the development of landmark global maritime policies, on safety, security and environmental protection.  He led efforts in advancing key frameworks, including:

• development and global adoption of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which transformed maritime security standards and extended IMO’s regulatory reach ashore to port facilities;
• development of the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gaseous Fuels (IGF Code), supporting innovation and environmental protection through safe standards for alternative fuels;
• advancing the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code), which established robust safety and environmental requirements for vessels operating in the Arctic and Antarctic; and
• revising training standards and addressing seafarer welfare, including the Manila Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) and solutions for hours of rest and working arrangements.

These achievements, among others, along with his commitment to service, consensus-building and integrity, have left a lasting impact on the IMO and the global maritime community.

Recognising service to the global maritime community

In addition to endorsing Mr. Lantz for the Prize, the Council agreed to award a Letter of Commendation to Rear Admiral Peter Brady, in recognition of his contributions to the development of the maritime sector in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, as well as his sustained commitment to capacity-building, regional cooperation and the work of IMO.

International Maritime Prize

Established in 1980, the International Maritime Prize has been awarded annually by IMO to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to its work and objectives. The recipient is selected by a panel of judges chaired by the IMO Secretary-General, comprised of representatives from the IMO Council, as well as intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

Source:IMO