The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council has recently passed a resolution emphasizing the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through international straits, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, amidst rising tensions in the Middle East. This resolution, adopted during the IMO Council’s 137th session, asserts that the right of transit passage must not be obstructed or denied, urging coastal states to manage maritime traffic in line with international law and IMO conventions.
The statement arises at a time when commercial shipping is increasingly threatened, following tensions related to the collapse of a U.S.-Iran memorandum and a series of attacks on merchant vessels that have significantly impacted shipping traffic. The Council specifically condemned assaults on civilian ships in the Strait and called for de-escalation in the region, insisting that any agreements among littoral states must ensure non-discriminatory and unimpeded transit passage per the established traffic separation scheme from 1968.
In addition, the Council reaffirmed that navigation through the Strait should be free from tolls, stressing the necessity for a return to normal shipping operations. It tasked IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez with evaluating ways to enhance maritime safety in the area and coordinating with member states and industry to restore secure shipping practices. Further, the Council highlighted the collaborative management seen in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore as a useful model for regional cooperation.
Lastly, the Council approved IMO’s 2025 annual report, noting that member contributions are essential for funding. The organization reported a revenue increase, alongside a strong collection rate of contributions. Other outcomes included updates to risk management policies and granting consultative status to several maritime organizations focused on sustainability and safety initiatives.
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