IMO Council Demands Immediate Action to Protect Commercial Shipping and Seafarers in Middle East
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council has issued a critical directive to its member states, calling for the urgent establishment of a safe maritime framework to facilitate the evacuation of merchant vessels and seafarers currently confined within the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. This move comes in response to escalating threats and attacks that have severely impacted global shipping routes and the welfare of maritime personnel.
Condemnation of Threats and Attacks on Vessels
During a two-day extraordinary session held in London, the IMO Council strongly condemned the ongoing threats and attacks against vessels and seafarers, as well as the purported closure of the Strait of Hormuz. These actions are in direct violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 and have adversely affected merchant and commercial vessels, jeopardizing the safety and well-being of seafarers worldwide.
The Council emphasized that such hostilities must cease immediately, highlighting the need to uphold fundamental principles of global shipping, including respect for freedom of navigation. It was revealed that Nigerian and other African seafarers are among those affected and stranded on vessels hit by the conflict, underscoring the widespread impact of the crisis.
Directives for Member States and Humanitarian Measures
In a firm stance, the IMO Council directed the immediate seizure of all attacks on ships affecting civilian seafarers and called upon over 120 Member States, including Nigeria, to ensure the continuous provision of essential supplies. This includes water, food, fuel, and other necessities for seafarers and ships currently unable to leave the region due to the volatile situation.
Additionally, the Council urged member states to maintain seafarers' communication with their families and friends and to ensure that stores and provisions remain adequate for their needs. These measures are aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis faced by trapped crews and preventing further escalation of the conflict.
Emphasis on Dialogue and Maritime Security Principles
In his address at the session, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez stressed that seafarers and commercial vessels must never become collateral victims of geopolitical conflicts. He emphasized dialogue and diplomacy as critical tools for de-escalation and restoring stability in the region, while reaffirming the right of ships to navigate freely.
Dominguez noted that participants at the session had taken firm positions on key maritime security issues, including condemning threats and attacks on merchant vessels and calling for restraint among nations involved in the ongoing tensions. The IMO chief highlighted the collective demand for an immediate halt to attacks on seafarers and renewed commitments to safeguard their welfare and well-being.
Commitment to Establishing a Humanitarian Corridor
The Council further confirmed the need to exercise navigational rights and freedoms of vessels, encourage restraint and de-escalation, and commit to the provision of essential supplies to vessels in the region. It also called for facilitating crew changes for seafarers to ensure their safe return home.
Mr. Dominguez expressed readiness to begin immediate negotiations to establish a humanitarian corridor for evacuating all trapped vessels and seafarers. However, he emphasized that this effort requires understanding, commitment, and concrete actions from the countries involved, as well as collaboration with relevant UN agencies and interested parties.
This development underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to address the threats to commercial shipping and seafarers in the Middle East, with significant implications for global trade and maritime safety.
