The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the IMO convened in London, emphasizing urgent action against shipping emissions. Delegations discussed the “IMO Net-Zero Framework” and established an intersessional Working Group to refine proposals. A new Emission Control Area for the Northeast Atlantic was approved, reinforcing pollution limits by September 2027.
FMC Chairman Laura DiBella recently voiced strong opposition to the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, citing potential financial burdens on U.S. shippers and consumers. She warned that the framework could lead to anticompetitive conditions and inflation, while the FMC remains vigilant in protecting U.S. shipping interests against unfavorable international regulations.
In a recent address to the UN Security Council, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized that “the principle of freedom of navigation is not negotiable.” He urged nations to reject tolls and discriminatory measures in international straits, underscoring the importance of unrestricted access for global trade and maritime security.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called on member states to assist seafarers trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, where ongoing conflicts have led to vessel seizures and threats to maritime safety. He emphasized the urgent need for their release, stating, “they are not at fault,” as conditions continue to deteriorate.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has proposed a voluntary evacuation plan for merchant ships stranded in the Persian Gulf. This initiative, responding to the IMO Council’s request, aims to ensure safe navigation while respecting international law. It will utilize established traffic lanes to streamline the evacuation process for affected vessels.
Last weekend, the Strait of Hormuz briefly reopened, but Iranian forces quickly fired upon vessels, escalating regional tensions. The International Maritime Organization convened to address nearly 1,000 ships and 20,000 seafarers stranded due to Iran’s actions. Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the critical need for safe navigation and seafarer protection.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) faces a critical moment as the global shipping industry comes together ahead of essential climate negotiations. Amidst recent challenges, including a rejected carbon pricing proposal, industry leaders stress the need for a unified global agreement to effectively manage shipping emissions and uphold regulatory integrity.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched the “IMO for Ukraine” project to support the restoration of Ukraine’s maritime sector. This initiative aims to enhance shipping safety, assess port damages, and modernize infrastructure. By implementing digital solutions and improving environmental responses, international partners will facilitate Ukraine’s maritime recovery and modernization.
India’s proposal at the 113th Session of the IMO’s Legal Committee has gained acceptance, addressing the critical issue of seafarer abandonment. The initiative calls for improved measures aligned with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006), including a Model Standard Operating Procedure and a secure web-based system for enhanced coordination and reporting.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reports that about 20,000 seafarers and 2,000 vessels are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. This critical passage, only 30 kilometers wide, complicates evacuation efforts. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stresses careful planning and coordination among nations to ensure a secure and orderly evacuation.
The UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) has strongly opposed tolls on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, warning it could set a “dangerous precedent.” The IMO stressed that no international agreement allows such charges, asserting that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea protects the right to free passage.
Approximately 370 Indian seafarers are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, despite a ceasefire between the US and Iran. The Indian government has evacuated over 1,754 seafarers, but 16 Indian-flagged vessels remain in high-risk areas. The Indian Embassy in Tehran advises nationals to leave Iran as tensions persist.
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.
