MARITIME SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

The IMO Secretary-General calls for enhanced international cooperation in the face of escalating maritime threats.

“Maritime security is not just a technical issue—it is a deeply human one.” This was the powerful message delivered by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez to the United Nations Security Council on August 11.

In response to complex and evolving maritime security challenges, from piracy 🏴‍☠️ and cyberattacks 💻 to attacks in the Red Sea, Mr. Dominguez urged nations to heighten vigilance and strengthen cooperation 🤝. He emphasized: “Multilateralism is key. Maritime security is a shared responsibility.”

In 2024, nearly 150 incidents of piracy and armed robbery were reported to the IMO, with the highest concentrations in key areas such as the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, the Indian Ocean, and West Africa. These threats, along with sophisticated crimes like cyberattacks and drug trafficking, are undermining the established maritime safety management system.

To address these challenges, the IMO has developed several binding measures, including:

The 2004 International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code: Enhances security at ports and on ships. 🚢
The 2005 revised protocols for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts (SUA) at Sea: Provides an international legal framework to combat maritime crime. ⚖️
Cybersecurity requirements: Integrates into the mandatory Safety Management System. 🌐

Additionally, IMO’s capacity-building projects have been crucial in strengthening regional responses through information sharing and cooperation. Notable frameworks include the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), the Djibouti Code of Conduct, and the Yaoundé Code of Conduct.

Mr. Dominguez also expressed gratitude for the support from the UN Security Council, particularly for resolutions calling for an end to attacks on international shipping, which are essential for global supply chain stability. 🕊️

The IMO Secretary-General concluded: “The safety of sea lanes, the foundation of global commerce, depends on the shared commitment of all nations.” This is a strong call for dialogue and cooperation to ensure security and safety for everyone at sea.

📍Keynote remarks by delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 11 August 2025: https://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/secretarygeneral/pages/address-to-un-security-council-9977-meeting.aspx
📍Source: International Maritime Organization (IMO)
📍Reference: https://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/secretarygeneral/pages/address-to-un-security-council-9977-meeting.aspx