Politics
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has warned that ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world continue to pose serious threats to global commercial shipping and crews working aboard v
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has warned that ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world continue to pose serious threats to global commercial shipping and crews working aboard vessels, while attacks on ships are still being reported along several major maritime routes. Addressing the opening ceremony of the 138th session of the IMO Council in London, the British capital, he said that commercial vessels were facing attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the eastern Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, with innocent seafarers bearing the consequences of the situation. The Secretary-General said maritime workers were becoming victims of conflicts in which they had no involvement. He also described arbitrary restrictions, discriminatory treatment and punitive measures imposed on certain seafarers as unacceptable, adding that he would continue to raise the issue whenever appropriate.
Arsenio Dominguez also expressed deep concern over the rise in piracy and armed robbery incidents in the western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. According to him, these regions have witnessed a significant increase in piracy during 2026. He said further details about the situation and the activities undertaken by the IMO Secretariat in response would be presented during the council session. He added that several important matters would require decisions at the current meeting, including proposed amendments to the organization's rules of procedure and additional recommendations aimed at making its operations more effective. The council will also receive updated information on the 2026–2027 budgets and discuss the initial framework for the 2028–2029 budgets.
The Secretary-General emphasized the need for financial approval for the second phase of improvements to the IMO's Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) and a project aimed at strengthening the organization's digital capabilities. He said both initiatives were essential for delivering technical cooperation. According to him, the proposed financial measures are intended to minimize the additional financial burden on member states under the current economic conditions. The council will also consider endorsing a recommendation to establish a committee to select the recipient of the 2027 IMO Gender Equality Award. At the conclusion of his address, Dominguez expressed sorrow over the collision between two high-speed trains near Urda, in Spain's Toledo province, which left several people dead and injured. On behalf of the IMO, he extended condolences to the Spanish government and people, expressing solidarity with the families of those affected and the injured.
