IMO Secretary-General Raises Alarm Over Strait of Hormuz Crisis and Calls for Immediate Action at MSC 111

LONDON: The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, delivered a strong and urgent message on the escalating maritime crisis in the Strait of Hormuz while addressing the opening of the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111) on 13 May 2026.

Welcoming delegates to the crucial maritime safety meeting, the IMO Secretary-General expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where a significant number of seafarers remain stranded aboard vessels unable to operate normally or safely leave the region. He described the situation as “unacceptable” for civilian maritime workers who continue to face prolonged security threats and severe psychological stress in a high-risk environment.

Mr. Dominguez emphasized that the continued immobilization of ships in and around the Gulf is not only a humanitarian concern but also a major threat to global trade, energy supply chains, and economic stability. He warned that the longer the crisis continues, the greater the possibility of a serious maritime incident.

Reaffirming the core principles of international maritime law, the IMO Secretary-General stated that freedom of navigation must be respected and the safety of seafarers and merchant ships must be protected at all times. He stressed that seafarers should never become collateral victims of geopolitical tensions.

In response to the worsening crisis, Mr. Dominguez revealed that he has been mandated to facilitate efforts aimed at establishing maritime corridors for the safe evacuation of seafarers if required. According to him, the proposed framework is fully anchored in international law and IMO standards and is intended to be implemented by the concerned nations.

However, he strongly criticized the continued lack of agreement preventing the implementation of the evacuation plan. “What is missing is not a legal basis, but the ability to reach agreement without further delay,” he stated, calling for urgent action in the interest of safety, responsibility, and humanity.

The IMO Secretary-General further assured delegates that he would continue engaging with all relevant stakeholders and welcomed any initiative that supports tangible solutions while fully respecting international law and freedom of navigation.

Apart from the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Mr. Dominguez also highlighted the growing concern over renewed piracy and armed robbery incidents off the coast of Somalia. He cautioned that the resurgence of piracy demonstrates how fragile the progress achieved over the years remains and urged flag States and industry stakeholders to continue implementing industry-developed Best Management Practices while operating in high-risk areas.

Turning to the formal agenda of MSC 111, the Secretary-General noted that the Committee’s extensive work programme aligns closely with the theme of this year’s World Maritime Day — “From Policy to Practice.”

Delegates during the session are expected to consider and adopt several important amendments to mandatory maritime safety instruments, including the SOLAS Convention and other key international codes aimed at strengthening the global maritime safety framework.

One of the most significant developments expected during the session is the advancement of the first-ever international Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code). Mr. Dominguez described the progress on the MASS Code as a major milestone that demonstrates IMO’s ability to proactively address technological developments while ensuring that innovation does not compromise safety, accountability, or the human element in shipping.

He remarked that finalizing the MASS Code would serve as a strong example of translating policy into practical implementation for the future of global shipping.

The Secretary-General also extended his confidence and support to the newly appointed Chair of MSC 111, Theofilos Mozas of Greece, expressing optimism that the Committee would successfully achieve the objectives set for the session with the support of member delegations and the IMO Secretariat.

The 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee is being held from 13 to 22 May 2026 and is expected to address several critical maritime safety, security, and regulatory issues shaping the future of international shipping.