THE International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council has issued a condemnation of escalating attacks on merchant shipping in the Middle East, calling for an immediate “safe-passage framework” to rescue vessels and seafarers currently trapped in the volatile Strait of Hormuz.
In an extraordinary session held from March 18-19 at the IMO headquarters in London, the 40-member executive body addressed the deteriorating security situation that has seen commercial vessels targeted and the purported closure of one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints.
The council’s resolution, which aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, characterized the attacks as a direct violation of international law and a grave threat to the global supply chain and the welfare of civilian crews.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez delivered a closing address, urging the international community to move beyond diplomatic rhetoric.
“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,” Dominguez stated. “Together, we can drive the change required to protect the well-being of those who have no voice and safeguard the principle of freedom of navigation.”
The secretary-general confirmed he is ready to initiate immediate negotiations to establish a humanitarian framework to evacuate ships currently confined within the Gulf region. However, he cautioned that the success of such a mission hinges on the “concrete actions” of all involved stakeholders and member states.
Central to the council’s concerns is the deteriorating condition for seafarers caught in the crossfire. The IMO has urged member states to ensure that ships unable to leave the region are continuously provided with:
– Potable water and food supplies;
– Fuel and essential stores;
– Uninterrupted communication lines for crews to contact their families.
The council also highlighted a growing technical threat: the extensive jamming and spoofing of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). This electronic interference, combined with the extreme “fatigue and pressure” on ship masters, has created a high-risk environment for any vessel attempting to transit the area.
The Strait of Hormuz is widely considered the world’s most important oil transit chokepoint. Any disruption there resonates globally, particularly for maritime nations like the Philippines, which provides a significant portion of the world’s merchant seafaring workforce.