IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez recently visited countries in the Red Sea area to address the current situation and show support for freedom of navigation. He expressed concern for innocent seafarers, particularly those held captive on the MV Galaxy Leader by Yemen’s Houthis. The ship and its 25 crew members were seized in the Red Sea on November 19, 2023. Dominguez highlighted the impact of continuous attacks on ships and seafarers in the region on human lives, the shipping industry, and the global economy. He emphasized the importance of international shipping, which accounts for around 80% of global trade in goods, with the Red Sea being a key shipping route.
During his visits to Djibouti, Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, Dominguez engaged with government representatives to discuss the situation and explore ways in which the IMO could offer further support. He stressed the need to re-establish the principle of freedom of navigation in the region, as disruptions to international shipping affect all countries. Dominguez pledged to continue collaborating with IMO Member States, UN agencies, and stakeholders to protect seafarers and promote a resilient and sustainable maritime transport system.
These visits serve as a message of solidarity from the IMO to those involved in maintaining international shipping operations. Dominguez underscored the importance of dialogue with all countries to safeguard seafarers and enhance the sustainability of maritime transport. He highlighted the strategic significance and development potential of the Red Sea region in fostering a more sustainable maritime transport network. Through collective efforts and cooperation, Dominguez aims to uphold the principle of freedom of navigation for the benefit of all parties involved in international shipping.
