Member States of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) convened today at the 36th extraordinary session of the Council to address the escalating crisis in the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman, and the Gulf region.
In a poignant opening address, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez expressed “grave concern and deep sadness” regarding recent attacks on merchant shipping. The Secretary-General confirmed reports that at least seven seafarers have lost their lives, with several others severely injured, marking a tragic turning point for the global maritime community.
The Secretary-General highlighted the dire situation of approximately 20,000 seafarers currently stranded on board vessels within the Persian Gulf. These crews are facing extreme mental strain and physical risk as geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.
“I will never get tired of repeating myself when I say that any attack on innocent seafarers or civilian shipping is totally unacceptable,” Mr. Dominguez stated. “They must not become victims of broader geopolitical tensions.”
During his remarks, the Secretary-General outlined several critical priorities for the Council and the industry at large:
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Urgent De-escalation: A direct plea to all parties to allow crew members to exit the Gulf safely and to cease using shipping as “collateral damage.”
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Operational Caution: Shipping companies are urged to exercise extreme vigilance and, where possible, avoid transit through the affected regions.
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Combatting Disinformation: Stakeholders were warned to rely only on verified, authoritative sources. The IMO has launched a dedicated webpage to provide real-time, verified updates on the situation.
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Focus on Solutions: The Secretary-General urged Member States to move past rhetoric and focus on “practical measures” to protect navigational safety and the marine environment.
Mr. Dominguez warned that the current situation is “unsustainable.” While the shipping industry has proven its resilience, the Secretary-General noted that the current geopolitical climate is testing the sector to its limits. He emphasized that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have a “bullwhip effect” on the global economy, directly threatening international food security and the stability of global trade.
The session is being held under the leadership of Council Chair Mr. Victor Jimenez Fernandez (Spain) and Vice-Chair Mrs. Amane Fethallah (Morocco). The IMO Secretariat remains fully committed to supporting Member States in finding a diplomatic and technical resolution to ensure the freedom of navigation.
