The United Nations International Maritime Organization reports that approximately 20,000 seafarers are stranded on 2,000 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing Middle East conflict. With 19 attacks reported since February 28, 2026, conditions onboard are deteriorating, prompting urgent calls for de-escalation and safe evacuation of crew members.
The IMO Facilitation Committee has approved a global strategy for maritime digitalization and cybersecurity during its 50th session in London. Emphasizing interoperability and data-sharing, the strategy aims to streamline processes for seafarer credentials and ship certificates, while also mandating cybersecurity measures to protect maritime single windows from emerging threats.
The IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) held its 12th session from March 9 to 13, 2026, focusing on amendments to the Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code. Notably, new requirements for partially enclosed lifeboats mandate CO₂ levels below 5,000 ppm, emphasizing ventilation standards and testing protocols for safety.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called an Extraordinary Council meeting on March 18-19 to discuss the impact of Middle East tensions on shipping and seafarers in critical maritime regions. This session, chaired by Victor Jiménez, aims to enhance maritime safety and security amid growing concerns from Council Members.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, expressed deep concern over the deadly attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in four seafarers’ deaths and three injuries. He underscored the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect the approximately 20,000 seafarers at risk in the region.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, has raised alarms about the unsafe conditions in the Strait of Hormuz. Following military strikes in February 2026, tensions have escalated, threatening navigation and the safety of approximately 20,000 seafarers. The surge in war risk insurance further complicates maritime operations.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, has condemned recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that assaults on innocent crews are unjustifiable. He urged shipping companies to exercise caution and avoid the region, while emphasizing the importance of freedom of navigation and verified information.
On February 23, 2023, the ILO and IMO marked the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). This treaty has greatly improved seafarers’ working conditions globally, promoting fair competition in shipping. It established enforceable standards for employment, wages, and health care, ensuring decent work at sea.
The IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response held its 13th session in February 2026, focusing on environmental protection in maritime operations. Key outcomes included groundwork for a legally binding biofouling management framework and a draft strategy to eliminate marine plastic litter from ships by 2030, emphasizing public awareness and international cooperation.
The recent Pollution Prevention and Response Sub-Committee meeting at the IMO in London focused on a paradigm shift in assessing environmental performance. Discussions expanded beyond fuel types to encompass vessel lifecycles, addressing operational challenges like hull conditions and maintenance. This signifies a transformative approach to maritime environmental regulation, emphasizing actual performance.
Government officials and maritime experts from several Asian coastal states gathered in Singapore for the inaugural IMO workshop on ships’ routeing and reporting systems. The event aimed to enhance navigational safety and familiarize participants with IMO procedures, focusing on effective implementation amid rising maritime traffic in the region. Key discussions included evaluating existing measures and analyzing traffic patterns.
Recent publications by environmental organizations urge the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to prohibit ammonia-powered vessels from discharging toxic waste into oceans. As the shipping industry seeks zero-emission fuels, the coalition emphasizes protecting marine ecosystems. They advocate for mandatory onboard retention of ammonia waste, highlighting the need for long-term ecological safeguards.
Government officials and maritime experts from Asian coastal states gathered in Singapore from February 2-6 for the first International Maritime Organization (IMO) workshop on ships’ routing and reporting systems. The workshop aimed to enhance navigational safety and improve the application of these systems in response to increasing maritime traffic in coastal areas.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched a two-year campaign themed “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the need to translate regulations into actionable outcomes. The initiative will enhance understanding of IMO conventions, focusing on capacity development and innovative safety standards, particularly for vulnerable nations.
The International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) held its 12th session in January 2023, chaired by Mr. Erik Tvedt. Key outcomes included a draft workplan for a greenhouse gas safety framework and guidelines for remote inspection techniques, alongside efforts to mitigate underwater radiated noise from ships.
