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 Award was launched in 1999 by Thor Heyerdahl (1914 – 2002) and the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association. The first winner was presented in 2001. In the Award’s statutes it is emphasised that the purpose of the Award is to contribute to an improvement of the global environment. Furthermore, the focus on the Award shall announce to all sections of society the environmental benefits of shipping as a mode of transport, and serve as an inspiration for the industry to implement new specific environmental measures.
Shipping has the world oceans as its field of operation, which gives this industry a special responsibility for the marine environment. Thus, and in the context of overall sustainable development, the shipping industry is committed to continuous improvement of the design and operation of ships to ensure that they have no harmful impact on the environment.
The ocean covers two thirds of the earth's surface. The ocean is home to more living species than on land; it regulates the climate and provides processes vital to all forms of life. This involves a commitment for all who live and work on or near the ocean.
Maritime transport makes up 90 percent of all transport world-wide. There are huge potential in this vast majority of transport even though it is considered the most environmentally friendly mode of transport. Heightened environmental standards in the shipping industry will be an important contribution to an improvement of the conditions of the oceans.
Our hope is that the Heyerdahl Award will inspire the maritime community world-wide to make an effort to improve the environment.
