Published on: 2026-05-13
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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The ongoing blockade of ships in the Strait of Hormuz area poses a threat to the safety of sailors, world trade, and the global economy. At the same time, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has a plan to create corridors for the safe evacuation of crews, but its implementation is hindered due to the lack of agreement among the interested countries.
This was stated on Wednesday by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. According to him, the longer the current situation lasts, the higher the risk of a serious incident. In addition, the continued blocking of ships in the Persian Gulf is already having an impactpressure on global supply chains, energy markets and economic stability.
Absence of agreement
“It is completely unacceptable that ongoing disagreements hinder the implementation of this plan and leave sailors blocked on board for many months,” emphasized the head of the IMO, speaking at the opening of the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee, which is being held in London from May 13 to 22. He noted that the problem lies not in the lack of a legal framework or practical solutions, but in the inability of the parties to quickly reach an agreement.
“These sailors faceconstant security threatsand serious psychological pressure. For civilian personnel, such a situation is unacceptable,” Dominguez added.
The head of the IMO also reported that the organization continues consultations with all interested parties and is ready to support any initiatives that will help ensure the safe exit of sailors from the crisis zone by observing international law and the freedom of navigation.
Piracy off the coast of Somalia and autonomous vessels
Separately, Domingues expressed concern about the resurgence of pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia, warning that the progress made in recent years in maritime security remains fragile.
At today’s session, the Committee on Maritime Safety will consider amendments to the international mandatory standards, including the Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), as well as continue work on the first international Code for autonomous surface vessels. According to Dominguez, the development of this document will be an important step for the IMO and will allow for the creation of a global regulatory framework for the safe implementation of new technologies in shipping.
“This will become a vivid example of the transition from politics to practice,” he concluded.
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