During an extraordinary session at its headquarters in London, the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) issued a forceful condemnation of escalating threats and attacks against merchant vessels. Citing recent disruptions and the purported closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Council emphasized that such actions directly violate UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and jeopardize the safety of global trade and seafarer welfare.
The Council underscored that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms must be respected under international law. Moving beyond rhetoric, the Council called for a coordinated international response to secure maritime corridors and protect civilian shipping.
In his closing remarks, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez challenged the international community to move toward tangible results:
“Let it be the responsibility of each and every one of us to demonstrate that inaction is not an option, that words alone are not sufficient. Together, we can drive the change required to protect the wellbeing of those who have no voice and safeguard the principle of freedom of navigation.”
Central to the Council’s resolution is the protection of “innocent civilian seafarers.” With many ships currently unable to leave the region, the Council urged Member States to:
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Halt all attacks on civilian vessels immediately.
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Ensure essential supplies, including food, water, and fuel, reach stranded crews.
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Facilitate crew changes and renewals to safeguard the mental and physical health of personnel.
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Maintain communication lines, ensuring seafarers can contact their families.
The Council also noted the technical risks facing crews, specifically the “fatigue and pressure” resulting from extensive Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) jamming and spoofing in the area.
As a provisional and urgent measure, the Council has directed the Secretary-General to initiate the establishment of a Safe Maritime Framework. This initiative aims to facilitate the safe evacuation of merchant ships currently confined within the Gulf region, preventing further military engagement with commercial assets.
Secretary-General Dominguez confirmed he is ready to begin negotiations immediately but stressed that success depends on the “understanding, commitment, and concrete actions” of all relevant stakeholders and countries.
