IMO Convenes To Discuss Safety And Security Of International Shipping.

London; May 2026: IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez opened the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization today (14th May 2026) which brings together IMO’s 176 Member States to discuss issues related to the safety and security of international shipping.

Key items on the agenda (18 to 22 May) include the adoption of the first non-mandatory Code to regulate autonomous ships, enhancing maritime security, updates on piracy and armed robbery against ships, and efforts to develop a a safety regulatory framework for alternative fuels. The Committee will also discuss the impacts on shipping and seafarers of the situation in the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman and the Gulf region, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

While inaugurating the session, Secretary-General Dominguez highlighted the ongoing challenges in the Strait of Hormuz, including 38 verified attacks on international shipping, 11 seafarer fatalities with around 20,000 still effectively stranded. IMO has developed an evacuation plan for vessels and seafarers, to be implemented once it is safe to do so.

The Secretary General in his inaugural speech has expressed his deep concern that a significant number of seafarers are now stranded on board; vessels unable to operate normally or to leave the region, effectively confined for prolonged periods in a high risk environment. These seafarers are facing sustained security threats and severe psychological pressure, which is an unacceptable situation for a civilian workforce. Beyond the human cost, the continued immobilisation of ships in and around the Gulf carries serious consequences for global trade, energy supply and economic stability. The longer this situation persists, the greater the risk of a serious maritime incident.

The fundamental principles are clear and unquestionable: freedom of navigation must be respected; the safety of seafarers and ships must be ensured; and seafarers and merchant vessels must never become collateral victims of geopolitical tensions. These principles must be translated into action.

He has asserted that he has been entrusted with the task of facilitating work aimed at enabling the establishment of maritime corridors for the safe evacuation of seafarers, should the situation require it. This plan is firmly anchored in international law and IMO standards and is intended to be implemented by the relevant countries, while efforts in operationalising the same in under process. The Secretary General has further reiterated that it is unacceptable that continued disagreements prevent the implementation of this plan, leaving seafarers blocked on board ships for months on end. There are practical solutions to implement this plan. What is missing is not a legal basis, but the ability to reach agreement without further delay, in the interest of safety, responsibility and humanity.

He has reaffirmed his continuation engaging with all relevant stakeholders, and has called for any initiative that can help bring about tangible solutions to the current crisis, provided it fully respects freedom of navigation and established international law, while adding further amidst drawing the attention to the renewed reports of piracy and armed robbery against ships off the coast of Somalia. This development is a matter of growing concern. It serves as a reminder that progress achieved over past years remains fragile and requires sustained vigilance. The Best Management Practice developed with the industry remain relevant, but there is no room for complacency.

Arsenio Dominguez further asserted, “I call on flag States and industry representatives to reiterate to shipowners and operators the importance of the application of these best practices when navigating through high-risk areas. Turning now to the work of this session, you have a very extensive agenda. It aligns closely with the theme of this year’s World Maritime Day: ‘From Policy to Practice’. You will be invited to consider and adopt important amendments to mandatory instruments, including the SOLAS Convention and several key codes, thereby strengthening the global maritime safety framework and supporting effective implementation by Member States”.

He concluded by adding, “A particularly important opportunity before you this week is the advancement of work towards finalising the first international Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships – the MASS Code. Progress on this Code represents a significant milestone for the Organization. It demonstrates IMO’s ability to anticipate technological developments and to provide a clear, global and safety driven regulatory framework, ensuring innovation is introduced responsibly and without compromising safety, accountability or the critical role of the human element. Finalising this Code would be a strong and concrete illustration of moving from policy to practice”.

Highlighted (Confirmed) Incidents In The Strait Of Hormuz And The Middle East.

• Number of confirmed incidents as at 11 May 2026: 38;
• Number of confirmed seafarer fatalities: 11.

Team Maverick.