He made reports to the UN and was asked by the UN Secretary-General to make daily pollution observations during the Ra II voyage. Hardened clumps of tar were collected on 43 days of the 57-day voyage. The reports were one of the elements forming the background to the international community's extensive efforts to improve the state of the ocean. This in turn led to the formation of the UN maritime sub-organisation International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Following the expedition, a book was published about the Ra expeditions, as well as a documentary film which was nominated for an Oscar. The voyage helped to raise awareness of the need to stop the pollution of the world’s seas. It also gave support to the work by IMO to protect the marine environment through binding international shipping regulation such as International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, the MARPOL Convention, which was first adopted in 1973.
In accordance with increased knowledge of environmental problems and life in the oceans, IMO continues to develop new agreements and regulations for the purpose of further improving conditions of marine life.
The Thor Heyerdahl International Maritime Environmental Award was launched in 1999 by Thor Heyerdahl (1914 – 2002) and the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association. The prize recognizes candidates from the shipping industry that have made an outstanding contribution for the environment.
To qualify for the award, candidates must have demonstrated exceptional technical innovation and environmental work in correspondence with Thor Heyerdahl’s spirit for the conservation of the marine environment. Emphasis will be placed on measures that combine environmental benefits with improved profitability.
We actively encourage members from academia, science, research institutes, governments, NGOs and the shipping industry to nominate. Eligible candidates are legal entities, organisations and individuals worldwide. Government agencies cannot receive the prize.
The Thor Heyerdaht Award will be awarded in March 2014, if you know any strong candidates, please do not hesitate to nominate them, click "proposal form" on the top menue.
The Expert Committee of The Thor Heyerdahl Award 2012 is represented by:
Secretary General Peter Hinchliffe, ICS, Chariman of the Expert committee
Secretary General Alfons Guinier, ECSA
Managing Director Joseph Angelo, INTERTANKO
Secretary General Rob Lomas, INTERCARGO
Director Safety, Environment and Innovation, Norwegian Shipowners' Association
President Tor Svensen, Det Norske Veritas
Senior Advisor Sveinung Oftedal, Norwegian Ministry of Environment
Secretary General Rasmus Hansson, WWF Norway
Sr. Vice President Svein Buvik, Gard AS
Executive Vice President Trude Husebø, Skuld
President Birgit Liodden, Young Ship
Director General Sturla Henriksen, NSA
