The bronze sculpture is the International Memorial to Seafarers, unveiled in 2001. The sculptor, Michael Sandle, has created various memorials as well as an 'anti-memorial' started during the Vietnam War, A Twentieth-Century Memorial, now in the Tate.
The IMO was established in 1948, soon after the founding of the United Nations itself. Ten years passed before a Convention passed into force, and the organisation met for the first time in 1959. It is responsible for the safety of shipping and for preventing pollution by ships. To do so, it creates international regulations and standards. A large conference hall where national representatives can meet is therefore essential: this one seats 700 delegates.
With about 300 civil servants working here, there is plenty of other office space. It is decorated by an eclectic art collection: the items were all received as gifts to the IMO. Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of ships.
Other pieces also carry on the nautical theme.
Still others represent donor nations rather than obviously marine subjects.
The building has one more surprise to share: a roof terrace with striking views over Westminster Bridge to the Houses of Parliament.
I visited during Open House Weekend 2019. The Open House charity has lost most of its income during the COVID-19 crisis and is appealing for donations.
