The IMO number is a unique seven-digit identifier assigned to a ship for its entire life, regardless of changes of name, flag or owner. Introduced by the International Maritime Organization to improve safety and prevent fraud, it is mandatory for most seagoing merchant vessels over 100 gross tons.
Because it never changes, the IMO number is the reference key used to track a vessel's history — inspections, detentions, ownership — across databases and tracking platforms.
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