IMO chief urges global cooperation against maritime security threats
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called for vigilance and cooperation among IMO member states and international partners to address growing threats to global maritime security during an open debate at the United Nations Security Council on Monday, August 11.
Addressing the council, Dominguez discussed the risks facing ships and seafarers.
"Our collective response must be rooted in prevention, constant vigilance, innovation, and continuously strengthened regional and international cooperation," Dominguez said. "Multilateralism is key here. Maritime security is a shared responsibility."
He stressed the need for states to uphold obligations under established international standards for safety, security, and environmental protection in shipping.
Tackling evolving threats
In 2024, nearly 150 piracy and armed robbery incidents were reported to IMO, with the highest numbers in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, the Indian Ocean, and West Africa. The IMO said that in that same year, unlawful attacks in the Red Sea targeted ships in violation of international law and freedom of navigation.
Cyber-attacks, drug trafficking, and fraudulent activities continue to undermine maritime security, while emerging technologies bring both opportunities and risks, highlighting the urgency of strong cybersecurity governance, according to the IMO.
Developing capacity, sharing information
"When geopolitical tensions disrupt shipping and innocent seafarers lose their lives, as we have seen recently in the Red Sea area and during 2024, the only way forward is constructive dialogue," said Dominguez. "Maritime security is not just technical – it is deeply human."
To mitigate some of these challenges, the IMO has developed binding measures such the 2004 International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, the 2005 revised protocols for the suppression of unlawful acts at sea, and cybersecurity requirements within mandatory safety management systems.
Dominguez also highlighted partnerships with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Interpol, regional bodies and donor Member States in advancing this work, through initiatives such as the EU-funded Red Sea programme and port security project.
The IMO said the Security Council open debate aimed to promote innovative, inclusive, and cooperative approaches to enhancing maritime security that strengthen multilateralism and uphold the international legal framework.
