Which organization was established to facilitate international maritime cooperation?

The Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization, now known as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), was established to promote international maritime cooperation and ensure safe, efficient shipping on clean oceans. Formed in 1948, the IMO brings together member states to set standards for the shipping industry regarding safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, and technical cooperation.

The organization's primary goals include the development and maintenance of a regulatory framework for shipping safety, environmental protection, and efficiency standards that ensure all maritime operations are conducted in a sustainable way. The IMO also facilitates the exchange of information and best practices among its member states, helping to foster a collaborative maritime environment where global challenges such as pollution and maritime security can be addressed collectively.

The other organizations listed do not specifically focus on international maritime cooperation in the same comprehensive manner. While the United Nations Environment Programme deals with environmental issues more broadly, it does not center on maritime cooperation alone. The World Trade Organization focuses on trade rules between countries rather than maritime operations. The International Maritime Security Agency is not a recognized body and does not exist under that name, further distinguishing the IMO's established role in maritime cooperation.