The IMO Council has convened for an extraordinary meeting to discuss the situation in the Middle East and its impact on shipping and seafarers. The Council instructed Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez to take the necessary measures to ensure the safe evacuation of merchant ships trapped west of the Strait of Hormuz.
‘I am ready to begin work immediately on negotiations to establish a humanitarian framework for the evacuation of all stranded ships and seafarers. However, for this to be realised, I need understanding, commitment and, above all, concrete action from all relevant countries and stakeholders,’ says Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. The announcement comes as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan have stated that they are prepared to contribute to initiatives that can ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
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However, the countries have not specified how they intend to contribute or to what end. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasises that a prerequisite for any action is that hostilities have ceased and that an international mandate is in place.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasised in his address at the Council meeting in London that inaction is not an option. The IMO Council also called on Member States to ensure a continuous supply of water, food, fuel and other essential supplies to ships that are currently unable to leave the region.
States were also urged to facilitate crew changes and crew rotation in accordance with international standards to protect the health, safety and welfare of the seafarers concerned. Finally, the Council called on Member States to ensure that seafarers’ communication with their families and friends can be maintained, and that supplies and provisions remain sufficient for their needs.
