History

KIMO International is founded by coastal municipalities from Denmark, Norway and the UK to tackle marine pollution through international cooperation.

KIMO’s expanding membership establishes the organisation as the collective voice of coastal local authorities across Northern Europe.

KIMO plays a major role in the 1995 Brent Spar crisis by joining forces with Greenpeace to oppose Shell’s plan to sink the obsolete oil storage buoy in the deep Atlantic Ocean.

KIMO mobilizes local coastal municipalities around the North Sea to pressure political leaders and corporate entities against ocean dumping of oil rig infrastructure.

The joint pressure successfully lobbies the OSPAR Commission to tighten rules, eventually banning the disposal of decommissioned offshore oil installations into the sea.

KIMO brings international attention to radioactive contamination from Sellafield after technetium-99 is detected in Norwegian shellfish, helping drive pressure for reduced discharges and improved operational practices.

Fishing for Litter launches, pioneering a voluntary partnership with commercial fishers to remove marine litter accidentally caught at sea.

KIMO publishes its landmark Economic Impacts of Marine Litter report, quantifying the financial burden of marine litter on coastal municipalities.

KIMO begins lobbying for mandatory verification of shipping container weights to reduce container losses, marine pollution and navigational hazards.

Members adopt a resolution calling for improved Emergency Towing Vessel provision to better protect lives, coastlines and the marine environment.

KIMO publishes the influential Feasibility Study on Fishing for Litter, helping expand the initiative across Europe and demonstrating its environmental benefits.

KIMO releases Guidelines for the Development of Fishing for Litter Schemes, providing a practical blueprint for ports and fishing communities.

Following sustained advocacy, international regulations requiring verified shipping container weights enter into force, achieving a major KIMO campaign objective.

KIMO’s lobbying helps secure continued Emergency Towing Vessel provision protecting Scotland’s northern waters.

KIMO publishes its first comprehensive report documenting the environmental and economic impacts of paraffin pollution on North Sea and Baltic coastlines.

Fishing for Litter Hub launches, creating a central resource for Fishing for Litter projects to share best practice, collaborate on research and support programme expansion across Europe.

Pitch In launches in partnership with Fidra, helping schools and sports clubs reduce microplastic pollution from artificial grass pitches through practical guidance and community action.

KIMO publishes report on Marine Litter at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting the global impacts of marine litter.

KIMO’s Fishing for Litter network supports the clean-up following the MSC Zoe container loss, with Dutch fishers recovering hundreds of tonnes of marine debris from the North Sea.

KIMO celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of practical environmental action, policy influence and international municipal collaboration.

KIMO adopts a formal resolution calling for restrictions on scrubber wash water, highlighting the transfer of air pollution into the marine environment.

After more than a decade of lobbying, international MARPOL amendments effectively end routine paraffin discharges, dramatically reducing pollution incidents.

The Net Cuttings project launches, helping fishers prevent discarded net fragments entering the marine environment through improved handling and harbour practices.

KIMO announces that paraffin pollution is finally in decline, following years of successful lobbying through OSPAR, HELCOM and the IMO.

The Power Bio project begins, exploring innovative ways to transform marine biomass into renewable energy and sustainable bio-based products.

KIMO publishes its Acute Plastic Pollution report, examining the causes, impacts and solutions for major plastic pellet and cargo spill incidents.

The EU adopts landmark restrictions on intentionally added microplastics, including a phased ban on polymeric infill for synthetic sports pitches, following years of advocacy by KIMO and partners.

HELCOM launches #CelebrateBetter – a campaign created in collaboration with KIMO to raise awareness of marine pollution from balloon releases and plastic confetti and promote responsible alternatives. ([helcom.fi][1])|2025 | KIMO’s International Secretariat relocates to Aalborg, Denmark, marking a new chapter for the organisation after 34 years of successful hosting by Shetland Islands Council.

KIMO’s campaign against scrubber pollution achieves a major breakthrough as OSPAR ministers agree stronger action on contaminated scrubber discharge.

Members adopt KIMO’s Strategy 2026–2030, providing a clear roadmap for tackling marine litter, chemical pollution and pollution from shipping.

KIMO launches a Baltic-wide campaign with HELCOM and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, helping recreational fishers prevent gear loss, improve marking and reduce ghost fishing.

KIMO continues uniting coastal municipalities to influence environmental policy, deliver innovative projects and safeguard healthy seas for future generations.