IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and collaboration among Member States to combat escalating threats to global maritime security during a UN Security Council debate on August 11. He highlighted the risks faced by ships and seafarers transporting vast quantities of goods and stressed that a unified approach based on prevention and innovation is essential. “Maritime security is a shared responsibility,” he stated.
In 2024, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported nearly 150 incidents of piracy and armed robbery, particularly in the Straits of Malacca, the Indian Ocean, and West Africa. Furthermore, unlawful attacks in the Red Sea violated international law, while cyber-attacks and drug trafficking continued to threaten maritime safety. Dominguez noted that geopolitical tensions have led to tragic losses among seafarers, underscoring the need for constructive dialogue.
To address these challenges, the IMO has implemented measures like the ISPS Code and cybersecurity requirements within Safety Management Systems. Capacity development projects and frameworks, such as the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy in Asia and the Djibouti Code of Conduct, aim to enhance regional cooperation. Dominguez acknowledged partnerships with organizations like the UNODC and INTERPOL to further these initiatives.
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