- The paramount importance of seafarer safety in the Red Sea and amidst attacks on international shipping was highlighted.
- Arsenio Dominguez, IMO Secretary-General, reiterated during a meeting on January 18th that seafarers are innocent victims facing challenges in the volatile Red Sea situation.
- The need to uphold freedom of navigation was emphasized as crucial for ensuring global trade and the uninterrupted flow of goods by sea.
- The meeting was attended by representatives from key organizations, including the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), BIMCO, OCIMF, INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, CLIA, and WSC.
Seafarer Safety In The Red Sea
Ensuring the safety of seafarers takes precedence, particularly amid the challenges faced in the Red Sea and the threats posed to international shipping. At a meeting held on January 18th with representatives from the shipping industry at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Headquarters in London, Arsenio Dominguez, the Secretary-General of IMO, underscored the crucial point that seafarers are innocent casualties in the unpredictable situation in the Red Sea. Additionally, it is imperative to uphold the principle of freedom of navigation to safeguard global trade and the maritime transportation of goods. Mr. Dominguez emphasized the necessity for caution and restraint to prevent any further escalation in the Red Sea and the surrounding areas, citing the relevance of UN Security Council Resolution 2722 (2024) of the Red Sea.
Shipping industry representatives emphasized that the safety of the crew is paramount. The meeting provided the opportunity to exchange views and look ahead to the steps that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) can take, including sharing information and potential future discussions during the next scheduled Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108, 15-24 May 2024).
Global Maritime Stakeholders’ Assembly
The meeting was attended by representatives of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), BIMCO, Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO), International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and World Shipping Council (WSC).
Earlier in the week (16 January) Secretary-General Dominguez had a productive meeting with representatives of the Member States of the Djibouti Code of Conduct to discuss the situation in the Red Sea, focusing on the need to enhance the maritime security capabilities of the countries in the region. The key areas of safety of seafarers, freedom of navigation, and de-escalation were reiterated by countries in the region.
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Source: IMO
